Homer Alaska - Arts -

Story last updated at 11:52 PM on Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Homer writers win statewide recognition



BY MICHAEL ARMSTRONG
STAFF WRITER

Local writer Linda Thompson is among three Homer writers who received awards last week in the Alaska Professional Communicators annual Alaska State Communications Contest. Thompson won a first prize for best nonfiction book, religious or inspirational, for "Erik's Story: Finding His Gift Against All Odds in Rural Alaska," about helping her son Erik Behnke develop his artistic talents despite the challenges of having Down syndrome.

"A touching story of a woman's struggle to find her son's artistic gift, and help him find a niche in the art world," the judges said in their comments.

Mystery, science fiction and thriller writer Dana Stabenow received a first-place award for best feature story for her Alaska Magazine article, "On the Bridge." Homer wrestling coach Steve Wolfe received an honorable mention for his nonfiction book, "Call Us Champions: More Alaska Wrestling Stories."

"I'm thrilled. It's a story I feel people around the world can relate to, finding success in their children," Thompson said of her award.

Thompson said the award is timely considering the recent birth of Gov. Sarah and Todd Palin's child, Trig. The Palins announced last month their fifth child has Down syndrome.

"I wrote the story for parents like her faced with a lot of negatives. The story really is about hope, and having hope for your child when society in general doesn't have that point of view," Thompson said. "This whole experience has been wonderful, and then it's icing on the cake to get an award for writing."

The awards were announced on May 1 at a luncheon in Anchorage.

Alaska Professional Communicators, formerly Alaska Press Women, is made up of both men and women working in journalism, writing, broadcasting, public relations and related fields. It has offered its contest for over 30 years. First-place winners go on to the national contest sponsored by National Federation of Press Women.

Winners will be announced at the NFPW annual conference in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Michael Armstrong can be reached at michael.armstrong@homernews.com.

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