They’ve reached for the stars and were lifted to new heights on the votes of everyday readers. Now, only two remain and both are vying for the elite distinction of being the area’s first Writer Idol.

Twelve writers splashed their thoughts on the page, each one different from the next, but Sandra Cunningham Billieu and Heidi Stevenson were the ones who lasted.

Unlike Justin and Kelly Clarkson, the two writers could not be more different.

Billieu is a mother of five and a grandmother of eight. She worked as a writer for newspapers as well as an editor. Stevenson is a recent journalism grad from Northern Arizona University and a recent resident of Rushville, who said she is daunted by all of the possibilities before her.

Both, however, share a love for writing, which is how they ended up in the contest in the first place.

“It was a blast from the past, a former job. There was interesting material to delve into and it would be challenging to relate my ideas and ideals to the public; a type of dream job,” Billieu said.

For Stevenson, it was a desire generated by the modern world.

“Everywhere you look, there is some kind of competition going on in reality TV land and you just kind of think to yourself, ‘Why can’t I get an opportunity like that?’ Then, one day, you flip open the newspaper and the opportunity presents itself right in the palm of your hands,” Stevenson said.

Billieu said she enjoyed each step of the contest, especially since it helped her slip back into the writing mode. With each segment, she waited curiously for what would happen next.

“As I progressed through the voting segments I was always pleasantly surprised by the individual comments made either to me or about my writing. Most people weren’t aware I have been writing for years, therefore assuming I was trying something new and agreed with the technique of friendly conversation on paper,” Billieu said.

While Billieu relished in the comments, Stevenson was the shy writer; too nervous to even look. However, when she realized she was in the finals, she couldn’t believe it considering the competition.

“I am completely ecstatic. Every two weeks I would start to get that nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach because I knew the results from the previous week would be announced soon. Seeing my face in the paper after the eliminations has been both shocking and exhilarating,” Stevenson said. “I have such a great passion for writing and was determined to prove to people that I wasn’t too young to be able to write well. Honestly, I never thought I’d make it this far but, now that I have, I cannot help but be happy with my decision to enter.”

There is one column left for the two of them. They go head-to-head Tuesday, but both of them are already considering what direction they would like to take their weekly column - the prize for the eventual winner.

“Before it was a contest to win against another writer - one style against the other - but by writing about what the publisher chose. If winning means the column topics would be my own, I would like to cover as many subjects as time will allow. Even go to the public with their own chance to get the answers. For instance, why not, at the end of each article, give a list of perhaps three or four topics they could vote to hear more in depth about?” Billieu considered.

Stevenson said she would love to expand on her writing thus far, especially now that she won’t have a teacher standing over her.

“I have always been a fan of editorials. I used to get in trouble in my English classes for stating too much of my opinion in papers. Writing editorials in journalism classes were pretty much my favorite,” Stevenson said.

The winner will be announced on June 29 and both women are not exactly sure how they would feel about taking the first Writer Idol crown, but they have an idea.

“Winning to me would be an opportunity waiting to open doors into minds. If I win, I'll continue our weekly conversations giving out the type of interesting information, but from my perspective,” Billieu said.

Stevenson is sure she might need to grab a box of tissues to read that day’s paper.

“I’ve been watching American Idol every season since its debut and, each year at the finale, I watch the winner cry from being so overwhelmed and grateful. So I imagine I would definitely feel something to that extent. In this case, I wouldn’t take to the stage with one more song in honor of my victory but, perhaps, I would quietly sing to myself a verse from The Pointer Sister’s ‘I’m So Excited,’” Stevenson joked. “I’d have to say I would be so proud of myself for being able to accomplish something so great and

astounding.”

Stevenson went on to say winning Writer Idol could be the beginning of something beautiful.

“I feel so grateful, at such a young age, to have this opportunity right

before my eyes. This whole competition could kick off the start of my

career and that right there is the most amazing feeling. It just goes to show that working hard and having passions can pay off. This is all I have ever wanted in terms of a career. To think that I might actually win this thing makes me very hopeful for my life in the future,” she said.

For Billieu, winning would be an opportunity to continue to share her

perspective with as many people possible. At this point in her life, it’s all about direction and continuing to experience and share all things great and small.

“I never tire of learning about ancient Egypt, still get excited when a

butterfly lands next to me and wonder how they're able to fly to South

America. Simple things like shooting stars, rainbows and moonlight dancing across the leaves in our woods make me smile on the inside and want to go get someone to share the wonder with,” Billieu said. “To me, everyone is put on Earth to complete a series of tasks, but the biggest challenge is to figure out what those things may be. Wouldn't it be nice to have a road map with directionals in place? You live once, so enjoy all you can and adjust to the rest.”

Watch for our two Writer Idol finalists in Tuesday’s Rushville Republican and be sure to let your voice be heard by casting the included ballot!