We are happy to present the Ink & Insights 2021
Top Ten winners in the Master category.
Please visit the writers' pages and the excerpts page to find out why these novels were the best.
The first three listed are the Top Three submissions that have gone on to the Agent Round.
Once their final placements are determined by the agents, they will be listed in order.
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Watering the Seeds of Guilt by David Neuner
Read an excerpt of Watering the Seeds of Guilt
See David's pages: Website
Comment from a judge: “I'd go as far as to say that not only would I buy a copy of the book, but I would also insist my friends give it a read.”
--Diksha
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An Awful Shadow
by Mariash Duga
Read an excerpt of An Awful Shadow
See Mariash on Twitter
Comment from a judge: "I was entranced by this narrative and would love to read more. The writing is rich, without being excessive in its richness. Instead, it offers flourishes of expression that delight . . . I could not see the seams of its weaving."
--Victoria
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The Hit
by Julie Weaver
Read an excerpt of The Hit
See Julie's pages: Amazon
Comment from a judge: "This is the first time in my seven years of judging for the contest where I've given a perfect score and your story deserves it."
--V Murgic
#4 - Jellyfish Blues
by Mary-Ellen Quirk
Visit
Comment from a judge:
#5 - Eyes Ever Toward the
Stars
by Melissa Mastro
Visit
Comment from a judge:
#6 - In Too Deep
by Mette Berg
Visit Mette's website.
Comment from a judge: “Congratulations! This is an excellent piece of work. The story idea has the potential to be constantly surprising and challenging, Molly's character is an intriguing one that we would empathize with and want to see succeed, and the writing is in itself entertaining. This is a standout work, even in the Masters category.”
--Alex Gruenberg
#7 - The Red Jacket
by Kathleen Schumar
Comment from a judge: "I think your story concept is unique and thrilling. I was quickly immersed in the mystery and suspense of your novel. Your hook started in an exciting place, giving us the main conflict quickly and raised the stakes for Clair right out of the gate."
#8 - These Turquoise Waters
by Seth Wagerman
Visit
Comment from a judge:
#9 - The Quest:
Arlan's Pledge Book 2
by Jennifer Lees
Visit Jennifer's website
Comment from a judge: "Beautifully crafted, full of rich setting descriptions, tension that caught my attention and kept it, and characters that leapt off the page. This author is a skilled storyteller."
--Melody Q.
#10 - The Nightmare Hitman
by Patricia A. Jackson
Visit Patricia's website
Comment from a judge: “Thank you for an exhilarating read, I count myself immensely lucky to have this reach my hands.”
—Ian Tan