The 2008 Kansas Voices Contest has a Wellington sound.
    It was announced Wednesday that Michelle Brown — who says she enjoys writing children’s literature with a mix of  history and fiction — won first place in the Adult Short Story Division in the 19th annual contest.
    The Wellington woman said she couldn’t believe it when contest officials called to tell her the news.
    “I almost didn’t enter it this year,” she said. “I was screaming and yelling after I got the phone call.”
    Brown has entered the contest with little luck the past three years.
    This year, 287 Kansas authors submitted 613 entries in the contest sponsored by the Winfield Arts and Humanities Council.
    Brown said she has been writing the past six years and will soon have one of her children’s stories published in “Highlights” magazine.
    “I have lots of stuff I’m working on,” she said. “I’m working on a historical novel for children about this area and the Osage Indians and the pioneers. My husband and I like to write plays and musicals.”
    Brown’s winning 1,100 word story centers on a young girl trying to help save her family during a grasshopper plague in 1874.
    Brown earned $275 for her efforts and will read her winning entry submission “Christmas Crop,” Saturday, May 3 at Baden Square in Winfield as part of the annual Kanza Days celebration.
    “I’m a little nervous about that.” she said.