Area woman wins study in New York

TISKILWA — A former Tiskilwa woman is one of 15 writers selected as  winners for the bi-annual Guideposts Magazine’s Writers Workshop in New York.

Monica Morris, now of rural Magnolia, wrote her winning article, titled, “A Shift in Attitude,” about learning to cope with her husband, Joe’s, changing shift schedule. Her article was among more than 4,500 entries received by the Guidepost judges for the workshop competition.

Morris and the other 14 winners will spend an all-expense paid week, Oct. 13-17, at Wainwright House in Rye, N.Y., attending workshops and lectures led by Guideposts editors and writers.

“I am really excited and hope to learn more about my craft,” Morris said. “Author Sue Monk Kidd is a 1978 alumnae from the workshop, so who knows what may come of this?”

Winning a place at the workshop table was a great honor, Morris said.

“Writing is something I’ve always dreamed of doing,” Morris said. “This workshop is a validation of my writing. To be chosen by Guideposts is thrilling for me.”

Morris has already written and published her first novel, “Rory’s Song,” the story of 13-year-old Rory Malone and her mother, Galena. Set in the modern day fictional Illinois town of Adele, “Rory’s Song” tells of the young girl’s struggles with her mother’s vagabond ways, deadly secrets and adventures in love. The book, which took four years to write and edit, is primarily a character novel, with elements of mystery and romance, Morris said.

Morris has already begun work on her second novel, tentatively titled, “Rory’s Angels.” The new book will hopefully be completed within the year, she said.

A Tiskilwa High School graduate, Morris is the daughter of Bill and Janice Jamison of rural Tiskilwa. Her parents, husband, Joe, and college-aged daughter, Katy, are very supportive of her writing, Morris said.