The Contest and Other Stories

Peter John Rizzo a 1960 graduate of Yale Universitys journalism program inherits a floundering art magazine from his uncle John Rizzo with the provision that he must increase the circulation or forfeit all assets to creditors.Peter Rizzo Petes father is a banker who scorns careers in the Arts and Humanities and is jealous of his late brothers influence upon his wife and son.Classic Art Exposes devoted but unorthodox editorial assistant Jason and two university interns sisters Shirley and Evie help Pete start a monthly short story contest with artwork prompts hoping to expand and save the business.As the four friends publish the winning (and sometimes disturbing) stories over the following eighteen months Pete battles his fathers attempts to ruin his business and his reputation and in the process discovers a sordid family secret. What else could possibly go astray?2018 Eric Hoffer - Da Vinci Eye Award Finalist - (for excellence in cover art)2018 New Generation Indie Book Award Finalist - Young New Adult (17 years and up)2018 The US Review of Books - RECOMMENDED2019 Literary Titan Book Award2019 Global Ebook Awards Silver Medalist in Short Stories / Essays