[Stephen Hampton]

Congratulations all. Was wondering how many submissions where made... and if it would be possible to read them somewhere, or at least some of them?
sincerely,
stephen

[Alex Pepple]

Maryann -- yes, out DG Bob did indeed read all the sonnets I forwarded to him.

Stephen -- 135 submissions were made. You can only read the finalists here. You may read the others only where the authors decide to post them for workshop in the appropriate forums.

Cheers,
...Alex

[Ed Shacklee]

Coming back after a frenzied time at the job, I was very surprised by this. I can honestly say I liked every one of the other sonnets more than my own, each for different reasons; and that not only did I appreciate the insightful reservations of several commenters – Maryann, Mary, and Michael in particular – I shared them.

At any rate, I’d like to thank Robert Crawford and Alex for their good work, all the finalists for the pleasure of reading their poems, and especially the talented newcomers in the group for introducing me to their work.

Best,

Ed

[Eileen Cleary]

Congratulations to Ed and all for crafting beautiful sonnets, thanks to Robert and Alex, for the opportunity be immersed in the bake-off experience. We who get to read these winning entries are the luckiest because we have an opportunity to enjoy and admire fine writing.

[RCL]

Congrats for a clean sweep by Spherians Ed, Ann, and Cathy!

[Gregory Palmerino]

Humbled to be in the finals for the first time. Congrats, Ed. I've enjoyed reading your work for some time now. Thanks to everyone for their hard work. Sometimes I think writing the sonnets is the easy part. Best, GP.

[Jennifer Gordon]

Most hearty congratulations to our first place winner Ed Shacklee, as well as both Ann Drysdale and Catherine Chandler for taking 2nd and 3rd. Further, congratulations to each of the other finalists. I quite enjoyed this year's bake-off and indulging in the various entries. Thank you also, Alex, and our judge, Mr. Crawford.

[John Whitworth]

Congratulations to all. I see that even had I voted three times for theh eads on spikes it wouldn't have made it.

[Ed Granger]

More props for the top dogs, especially the "best Ed."
I found the feedback I received on my own poem immensely valuable as well - many thanks to those who commented. I have not been as active here as I would like, simply for reasons of time. But this experience has been so enjoyable and instructive, I may try to change that. Even if it means the occasional bits of tuna on my keyboard during lunch hours.
And, of course, thanks to the DG as well. I can't imagine the difficulties involved in judging a contest such as this one.

[Charlie Southerland]

Congratulations to Ed, Ann and Catherine. It was well deserved. Good on Ed for the win and getting published. Congrats to all the other finalists too. Making the finals was unbelievable.