The curators of the Moonlight and Mawazo contest are proud to present our 2024 Lunar Cohort
The Breath of Gods;
the sigh of kings
by: Maxine Martin
Illustrated by Lloyd Williams
Edited by Sarah R. Asmus
Follow Maxine
Follow Lloyd
Wilhelm
by: Paul Watson
Illustrated by Bridget Hayes
Edited by Sarah R. Asmus
Follow Paul
Follow Bridget
Memento Mori
by: Nico Mason
Illustrated by Lloyd Williams
Edited by Sarah R. Asmus
Follow Nico
Follow Lloyd
About Our Winners
Maxine Martin
Maxine Martin is a talented writer and art historian based in Southern California. Their winning short story explores a world divided by warring winds: one bitter cold and northern, a poultice mixed from the foreign blood of the recently slain, known as the sigh of kings; the other warm and southern, the breath of a benevolent god. In this richly imaginative tale, necromantic prayers are made in the form of sacrifice, with the hope of appeasing the violent and ever-creeping winter brought by the northern winds. However, the heavens remain silent, if not empty, adding a layer of profound mystery and tension to the narrative. Maxine's work is a testament to their skill in blending historical depth with speculative fiction, creating stories that captivate and provoke thought.
Paul Watson
Paul Watson is a firefighter with a passion for all things nerdy, from plants and Hip-Hop to comic books. His diverse interests fuel his creative endeavors, particularly in the realm of science fiction. In his compelling story, set in the year 1925, the most powerful man in Indiana is DC Stephenson, the Grand Dragon of the Ku Klux Klan and a closeted vampire. This narrative, presented as a documentary complete with eyewitness accounts, reveals the dramatic events of the night when Stephenson and his followers collided with the residents of Wilhelm, Indiana, a predominantly Black city. Paul's storytelling not only entertains but also delves into historical and social themes, making his work both thought-provoking and engaging.
Nico Mason
Nico Mason is a talented horror and sci-fi author who brings a unique perspective to their work. As a trans, Black, and neurodivergent writer, Nico passionately incorporates these identities into their storytelling, creating rich and diverse narratives that resonate with a wide audience. One of Nico's notable works is a captivating sci-fi story about a group of young people who reunite after years apart. The events that follow their reunion are filled with intrigue and suspense, ultimately leading to profound changes for both the characters and the world around them. Nico's writing not only entertains but also challenges readers to think deeply about identity, society, and the future.
About Our Illustrators
Bridget Hayes
Bridget Hayes is a talented artist and illustrator based in Indianapolis, Indiana. At 31, she is known for her unique and captivating style, which often combines elements of curiosity, absurdity, and personal reflection. As a biracial artist (Black and white), Bridget's recent work delves into deep emotions like grief and explores her biracial identity.
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Bridget's artistic journey began early, with her entire life dedicated to her craft. She gained experience by creating and illustrating the online comic "Raccoon Girl" and producing zines. Her diverse skill set includes watercolor and acrylic paintings, digital art via Procreate and Adobe, single-line contour drawings, abstractions, and animations.
Currently a senior at Herron School of Fine Art and Design at IUPUI, Bridget is majoring in Drawing and Illustration and anticipates graduating in the summer of 2025. She is also the first BUTTER Associate for the BUTTER Fine Art Fair. Her influences range from Danny DeVito to Van Gogh and Bryan Lee O'Malley, and her work has been featured in NUVO Magazine, the Murphy Building’s First Friday show, Storage Space Art Gallery, Garfield Park, and Gluestick Zine Fest. Additionally, she designed labels for the tea company Blended By The Stars.
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Bridget enjoys infusing humor into her art to address larger issues, hoping to make viewers feel less alone and more connected. When she's not drawing or painting, she loves hiking and making her friends watch Shrek. You can follow her artistic journey on Instagram at @martianespresso.
Lloyd Wiiliams
Lloyd Williams is an accomplished author and artist based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. At 65 years old, Lloyd has been writing for 45 years, and his dedication to the craft has finally earned him his first writing competition win in the Moonlight and Mawazo short story competition, thanks to encouragement from his sister.
Born in Cambridge in 1958, Lloyd holds an undergraduate degree in History. His hometown connections run deep, with the Cambridge Chronicle and CCTV being his local media staples. Lloyd's artistic talents extend beyond writing; he is also skilled in painting, drawing, and drafting.
Despite his long writing career, this recent win marks a significant milestone. Lloyd is active on social media, sharing his creative journey on Instagram (@Varsudan999) and Patreon (@lloydwilliams).
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In his spare time, Lloyd enjoys painting and continuing to develop his drawing and drafting skills. He hopes that his stories and artwork inspire others and bring joy to those who experience them.
View Lloyd's Designs