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  Writing Writing Editor's Choice 1: Si Gray
  Entry: Cookie's Crab Shop in Salthouse, Nr25 7 Aj, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
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  Writing Writing Editor's Choice 2: Amiee Maxwell
  Entry: City Lights Bookstore in San Francisco, CA
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  Writing Writing Editor's Choice 3: Diana Springfield
  Entry: Loveless Motel & Cafe in Nashville, TN
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  Writing Writing Editor's Choice 4: Adam Bailey
  Entry: Thissio Summer Cinema in Athens, Greece, Greece
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  Writing Writing Editor's Choice 5: Marian Black
  Entry: Davis Farmers Market in Davis, CA
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  Writing Writing Editor's Choice 6: Kevin Capp
  Entry: Hot Dog Stand in front of Neighbors in Seattle, WA

Prizes

• Writing Writing Editor's Choice 1: $250 contract
• Writing Writing Editor's Choice 2: $250 contract
• Writing Writing Editor's Choice 3: $250 contract
• Writing Writing Editor's Choice 4: $250 contract
• Writing Writing Editor's Choice 5: $250 contract
• Writing Writing Editor's Choice 6: $250 contract
• Writing Writing Editor's Choice 7: $250 contract
• Writing Writing Editor's Choice 8: $250 contract
• Writing Writing Editor's Choice 9: $250 contract
• Writing Writing Editor's Choice 10: $250 contract

Archived Introduction

No matter where you go on the globe, you are sure to find beloved spots that transcend their function and capture the spirit of the local culture. These are the people's places--they spring up organically and are embraced by a loyal following that tends to span generations and all walks of life. Food is often a central part of the experience: a dumpling house in Taipei, an all-night chocolatería in Madrid, a strudel cafe in Vienna, an oyster shack in the Florida panhandle... But other kinds of places can also achieve "local institution" status: a lingerie store in Paris, a hand-painted pottery workshop in Mexico, a dancehall in Texas, an ocean-water pool in Australia...

Creative Manifesto

• Only original work.
• Writers: Use concrete details — easy on the adjectives.
• Photographers and writers: Zoom in — with your writing and your camera.
• Not just places — experiences.
• All edits must be before the deadline: May 30, 2009
• More tips »
• Rules

Suggestions

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