Unique Specimens

Special/Signature Issues

The Objects

For the second year, we gathered objects from the Valentine Richmond History Center's collection to present as writing prompts. All stories were required...
David -
Special/Signature Issues

Michal Ketner

After getting laid off in 2001, Michal Ketner moved from Leland, N.C., to Richmond, likening her journey to that of an immigrant seeking...
David -
Special/Signature Issues

RUNNER UP: Visiting Day

The old man lay motionless with his eyes turned toward the curtained window as Gena pressed a warm moist towel to his face....
Michal Ketner -
Special/Signature Issues

Jen Johnson

Jen Johnson grew up in Newton, N.C. She moved to Richmond in 2002 to attend Virginia Commonwealth University, earning a bachelor's degree in...
David -
Special/Signature Issues

RUNNER UP: Dawn

Leah gathered her heavy black hair behind her light brown neck, twisted it and placed it against the back of her head. She...
Jennifer Johnson -
Special/Signature Issues

BONUS CATEGORY: Tiny Pulitzers

While we had to choose four winners, there were so many little moments of brilliance throughout all the stories that we had to pull out some of the best and give them their own special awards.
David -
Special/Signature Issues

FIRST PLACE: From the Museum of Lost Smells

The outside didn't look impressive — a run-down bungalow with shingles falling off and cobwebs as thick as skin. Nathan's father showed him...
Marie Potoczny -
Special/Signature Issues

Marie Potoczny

Originally from Kettering, Ohio, Marie Potoczny received her undergraduate degree in interdisciplinary studies from Ohio's Miami University. In 2003 she moved with her...
David -
Special/Signature Issues

Man of Few Words

Scott McLaughlin, former director of marketing for the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce, is now a freelance marketing director. He was having coffee near...
David -
Special/Signature Issues

BONUS CATEGORY: Freudian Slipstream

Descending the elevator of the collective unconscious, eventually you get to the bottom floor, where humankind's deepest impulses hang out. Three themes came up...
David -
12Page 1 of 2

Trending

UPCOMING EVENTS

About us

Style Weekly provides insightful and tenacious coverage of the arts, culture and food scenes of Richmond, Va., illuminating diverse and interesting people, places, issues and events in the metro region. For over 40 years, we've been telling the stories of this historic, complicated and evolving city through award-winning journalism, thoughtful criticism, arresting photography and sophisticated design — diving deep on the subjects that matter to our readers.

Company
In Print
Subscribe
Give A Gift
Single Issues
Find A Newsstand

WHAT YOU WANT TO KNOW — straight to your inbox

* indicates required

© 2026 Style Weekly. All rights reserved.