Raleigh Author Jon Batson Wins First Prize in News and Observer 2014 Ghost Story Contest

RALEIGH, N.C. - Oct. 30, 2014 - PRLog -- The News and Observer has just announced the winner of the 2014 Ghost Story Contest – Raleigh author Jon Batson, for his Halloween tale "Rain On St. Mary Street."  The paper's annual contest deadline and rules that the story be 500 words, original and set in North Carolina was announced the beginning of October.  Batson has authored three short fiction anthologies and  with the N&O win, he has received awards for nine of his short stories.

"Without an concrete idea in my head I just started writing what I call a 'laundry list of concepts' till one bit," said the multi-award winning writer.  "I originally wrote the story at the request of Amy Benevento who organizes and conducts the Annual Oakwood Ghost Walk. Amy said the story was a big hit with the crowd."

Jon found out about the contest from a few of his friends and fans.  Seems they knew he was in the midst of final edits and cover art for his science fiction series Adventures of a Space Bum and didn't want him to miss out. Jon figured since he had a story, he'd send it in.

A prolific writer of song lyrics, stories and novels he also facilitates the creation of books and eBooks for independent authors.  With titles ranging from conspiracy theories, to suspense to science fiction, Jon has made the shift from artist to author look seemingly effortless. Just when you think you understand the players, the plot and the purpose – the shift happens and you’re betwixt confusion and clarity.

Read "Rain On St. Mary Street"  in the Life, etc section of the N&O 10/29 edition, on their site at http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/10/28/4271566/rain-on-st... or on Jon Batson's website http://www.TheRealJonBatson.com/

Jon lives with his wife, Eileen, in Raleigh, NC and is currently writing his next novel.

About Jon Batson

Award-winning author Jon Batson is a prolific writer with over a dozen novels to his credit. His most recent Adventures of a Space Bum continues his foray into science fiction. The Trasaron Chronicles, MarsQuake and Doll Bodies are a few of his tales in this popular genre. His gritty, often irreverent style strikes a chord of contemplation and demands your attention with subtle innuendo and carefully scattered satire. Jon lives with his wife in Raleigh, NC, where he is writing his next novel. http://www.TheRealJonBatson.com JonBatson@live.com