Read Winning Stories Here
Organiser’s Comments
I was overwhelmed – both figuratively and literally –
by the number of entries which were received for this year’s competition: at
the final count, we had over 300 entries from 200 writers. Many of those who
entered made great use of our money-saving “four stories for a tenner” entry
facility. It’s a great way of getting lots of entries in, and I was delighted
to see so many writers doing so.
The stories entered were of a tremendous range, both
in subject matter and style. We had an epistolary tale, a story told entirely
in dialogue, a narrative in the second person, tales told from odd perspectives
and even one which included “newspaper clippings” in the story. The
inventiveness of this year’s entries has been astounding. The subjects have
been the usual broad range: romance, science-fiction, historical escapades, mysteries
in the art world, spine-chillers, family dramas and murder by the bucketload.
Just a quick note about where we had entries from: I
think that the only continent not represented this year was Antarctica (husky
postal services not being what they were). This year’s international writers
came from such exotic locations as Hawaii, Illinois, Stellenbosch, New Zealand
and the Ukraine. We had a sprinkling of European entries, and lots from the island
of Ireland. I’m delighted that the creativity we have seen has come from all
longitudes.
A big thank-you to everyone who took the time to enter
one or more stories into the competition. By my rough estimate, the number of
words you collectively sent us was the equivalent of five decent-sized novels.
One more note of thanks, this time to the brave
volunteers of the Circle who read through a batch of stories each before
passing their favourites onto our Chief Judge. Their sterling efforts deserve a
hearty round of applause.
And talking of our Chief Judge, here are a few words
from Dr Anna Maddison regarding the winning entries:
Chief
Judge’s Feedback
I thoroughly enjoyed reading all the stories and I
found the creativity inspiring. The standard was very high and made judging
both pleasurable and difficult!
Thank you for the opportunity to be involved in the
judging experience.
First
‘No Answer’ by Eamon O’Leary
This winning story had one of
the strongest openings of the competition, pulling the reader in immediately
with its striking language and highly visual (and sensory) description. In
fact, despite an economic use of language, every last word felt saturated with
vivid imagery, giving a strong sense of character and setting – and evoking
quickly and strongly a physical and emotional response. As reader, a feeling of
revulsion was brought out towards the unkempt, misanthropic character and his
surroundings. However, counterbalancing that were humorous and poignant
moments, which acted like guideposts through the sea of unpleasantness, which
really humanised the character and drew the reader in to what was essentially a
very moving tale. This was especially effective given how unpalatable the
character was and illustrated the inherent skilfulness of the writing. Overall,
this story had a strong flavour which stayed with me long after reading. A
worthy winner!
Second
‘Living Stones’ by Elizabeth
Pratt
This poignant story had one of
the most moving endings, eliciting a strong emotional response. The style had a
simplicity about it; a clean, clear use of language and a calm, steady pace
throughout. The tone of slow determination reflected the main character and her
style of painting, which was all about close observation and subtlety. The
author clearly shares these attributes, with convincing characterisation and
sense of place effortlessly drawn for the reader. The title, almost an
oxymoron, signalled the use of juxtaposition of opposites throughout, which
made for an interesting dynamic. For example the interplay between images of
‘hot’ and ‘cold’, which resonated with characterisation as well as setting.
Images of both hardness and fragility were evoked through mention of materials
such as wrought-iron and eggshell, and most particularly through references to
glass throughout, which cleverly symbolised and reflected the character of the
homeless girl. This is a thoughtful, nuanced and sophisticated piece of
writing.
Third
‘The Curious Koi’ by Peter
Kelly
This story was highly
original, intelligent and amusing. Eloquently written, it had a philosophical
quality, which read like a Buddhist tale, of Confucian fable. The curious koi
in his pond, with his questioning mind, is a metaphor for human nature, its
curiosity beyond itself and its quest for identity and meaning in life. The
style had aspects that reminded me of Oscar Wilde’s short stories for children;
loaded with more significance than is at first apparent. Its tone also reminded
me at times of the philosophical playfulness of Lewis Carroll’s writings. The
apparent simplicity of style and the light hearted tone belies the level of
sophistication and refinement on show here. This is a carefully crafted,
thoughtful and engaging piece which was a pleasure to read.
Highly Commended
‘The House of Resentful Women’
by Valerie Thompson
This story had a fluent and
effortless style, it was easy to read and the subject was compelling.
Believable characterisation combined effectively with a strong sense of place
from the start. In the best tradition of dystopian fiction, the author
established a world not so distant, having contemporary political resonance.
The gut punch of a dark twist – which I didn’t see coming – was thrilling!
Although successful as a short story in its own right, this piece felt very
much like it could be part of a longer narrative. I found I wanted to read more
about this character and her predicament. Well done!
Commended
‘White Sky’ by Jocelyn Kaye
This story had strong
characterisation. It effortlessly established a psychological depth in the main
character and made effective use of first person narrative throughout. It also
had a striking simplicity in its use of imagery which effectively conveyed the
climate and atmosphere of England, not just how it looks, but how it feels. As
the story progressed, the interplay between the representation of England and
its projected antithesis, The Gambia was particularly vivid. Overall, this was
a touching story with a pleasing, hopeful and poignant ending.
Commended
‘Fleur’ by Jez Hodesdon
Despite
its contemporary setting, this story had a timelessness about it. The subject
and character had shades of Thomas Hardy in their tragic poignancy,
particularly in the evocation of loneliness. The closeness of the man to his
horse and the land also made me think briefly of D.H. Lawrence. The slow and
steady pace reflected the simple, methodical nature of the character and his
work. This story didn’t hurry, but it wasted no time either. I thought the
Gothic and macabre elements were handled with sophistication and were truly
affecting; the use of colour in these sections being particularly bold,
enhancing the drama.
