#50PreciousWords 2026

This past Tuesday, I woke up to some exciting news…I was a prize winner on Vivian Kirkfield’s #50PreciousWords writing contest! This is a contest I have been participating in for a few years. I have had the honor of receiving two honorable mentions previously, but was never a prize winner. My story, ANNIE MOORE: THE FIRST TO ARRIVE placed 10th out of 667 entries! This was especially exciting because this is a topic I have been thinking about since my visit to Ellis Island last summer. There, I saw a statue of a young girl named Annie Moore, who came over to America from Ireland with her two brothers. She was the first immigrant to be processed through Ellis Island. Her parents were already in America and she was coming over to meet them. Her story was so compelling to me, I had to write about her for the contest!

As previously mentioned, I’ve participated in this contest before. It has been my favorite writing contest over the years. To write a story with a beginning, middle and end in 50 words takes careful and deliberate planning. You’ve got to make every word count! I love it because it has made me consider every word I place in my manuscripts as well. Although I have never been a prize winner before, I love participating and challenging myself year after year. I’d like to also note that I've participated in many other contests over the years as well and I have not always been a winner. So writers, if you weren't selected this year, KEEP GOING! I am living proof that if you don't give up, keep writing, keep revising, keep submitting and putting yourself out there, your yes is coming too!

And now, here is ANNIE MOORE: THE FIRST TO ARRIVE

Farewell, Ireland.

Slán.

A new life awaits.

Annie grabs her brothers’ trembling hands,

and boards the ship.

Two weeks at sea.

Freezing. Starving.

Worth it.

Finally…

Sky-high towers and a statue appear.

Cheers. Tears.

America!

Annie makes the first immigrant footprints

across Ellis Island.

But she wonders…

Are they welcome?