Eric Scott Stevens's Blog

It's been a while since I've had anything significant to share. Seventeen years as a writer, eleven years after submitting for the first time, and seven years since a story of mine saw a gold medal—though it was never traditionally published.

Today, I'm excited that I get to say that all those years of hard work, rejection after rejection, "No, no, and no again..." and countless hours writing and editing—all that persistence has finally paid off.

Last night I received an email from Lucas Dul, owner of Typewriter Chicago and organizer of the short story contest, stating that I have been "...unanimously declared … the one great and powerful winner of this year's short story contest."

"Black Lighthouse by the Sea" won 1st place!

I've finally received a 'Yes.'

I'm so grateful. Someone out there thinks my writing is good, and that alone means more than you might know. It's been one heck of a journey getting here, and I'm happy to share this story with everyone who'd care to read it:
https://typewriterchicago.com/2025

I was drawn to the competition because it represents two things I'm highly passionate about: typewriters and creative writing.

The grand prize is a 1960s Royal Custom typewriter sporting a beautiful apple-red paint job with that unmistakable flat-hooded retro design. You can't buy them made like this anymore! The Royal Custom will be a welcome addition to my modest collection and one that holds a healthy amount of sentimental value.

Over a hundred years later, a lot of these machines are still performing like they were made yesterday, and if they don't, only a few people have made a career of repairing typewriters, and Lucas Dul of Typewriter Chicago is one of those talented few.

"Typewriter Chicago is your friendly neighborhood/global typewriter service center! Repairs, sales, and more."

On to the story:

"Black Lighthouse by the Sea" is a lyrical tale of a boy and a mermaid, of youth and discovery, of broken promises and broken people—of that hope for connection and peace we all long for.

Congratulations to the other winners, Tiffany Chu & Allison Faulkenberry! I've read their stories, and they were wonderfully crafted. This year's lineup is a fine example of how diverse and unique each writer's voice can be. Their stories can be found at the same link provided above.

The news came just after my wife, Amanda, and I celebrated our 10th anniversary. This is shaping up to be a great year...except for turning thirty-eight.

I'm working on a few novels and juggling more short stories than I can...well, juggle. But it's been a productive year for my writing. I've had personal notes from top markets and an Honorable Mention from Writer's of the Future Q3 of 2025 (I should be named as such on their site in a few days after they wrap up announcing this quarter's semi-finalist and winners). I feel that I'm heading in the right direction.

Till next time.

"Azrael isn’t one to mince words, so when a boy named Nomad is snooping around his junkyard he tells him, in no uncertain terms, to run along. But Nomad doesn’t leave. In fact, much to Azrael’s dismay, the boy starts hanging around the junkyard more and more. This tale has an unexpected twist with an ending that packs a powerful punch. Written by Eric Stevens, in language that is genuine and hauntingly authentic, this short story is recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval." - Literary Classics International Book Awards