By now, regular readers of this blog and users of the website will have read the winning story in this year’s Writers’ & Artists’ short story competition.
Once again, I helped judge the winner and as per usual the standard was extremely high. I so enjoy reading the shortlist of stories. I lose myself for a short while in each one. It’s not like reading short stories in a book: my thoughts on these stories count for something. It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly.
The winning story, 'Breath' by Samuel Wright was chosen because firstly it was a really interesting read. I personally found that the story was very accessible and identifiable (I dare say the vast majority would find something, if not a lot, to relate to in it) and this alone endeared me to the author as well as making me smile (inwardly and outwardly). As well as that, it was a clever read: sad but uplifting all at once and the story was well crafted – having a distinct beginning, middle and end.
A definite worthy winning story. To read 'Breath' click here »
So a hearty congratulations to Samuel. From everyone at Writers’ & Artists’, we hope you enjoy your prize!
And here is the shortlist: those who came very close …. Well done to them too. All stories showed tremendous promise and all made very enjoyable reads:
Afterwards – Jocelyn Kaye
Lost for Words – Lynda Nash
The Footsteps of Retreat – Karl Peter O'Neill
Namesakes – Maggie Fogarty
Pigmeat – Gerry Byrne
Nines – Kim Fleet
The Domesday Compulsion – Steve Winter
Hedgehogs and Green Bottles – Sharon Birch
The Countdown – Carys Bray
Longtime Companion – Rebecca Kemp
Idolism – kjk_freedom@hotmail.com
Keep your eyes out for details of next year’s competition. Details will be on the website soon.
Warm wishes, Jo
Editor
Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook
I agree with Pam, partly what I meant by 'doing it right'. Another part is doing what I'm doing... taking the story, reworking it, then submitting it for publication. This does'nt apply in all cases, but I believe if someone has spent good time on what seems a good idea, they should'nt abandon it just because one person or institution thinks it's no good. Give yourself a second chance and perhaps someone else will. Even if they don't, save it as they might see differently if you write something else that's successful. The only true loser is one who stops trying for the wrong reasons.
Xean
4/26/2011
That is all very good, I believe congratulations to the winner and shortlistees are in order. However, it is important to remember that for every winner, there are 1,000 losers. That is the price to pay for ‘competition’. It doesn’t mean any of the losing stories were bad or that their writers had no talent. The judge(s) simply have to make a decision based on their personal experience and preferences. After all, only one can win, remember. If like me, you find yourself waking up this morning among the thousand, this is a good time to remind yourself who the real winners are. Who’s not to say the real winners are us, joined in bonds of experience that can enable us to succeed in future when the winners of today are a past memory. This instance, let’s see past mere victory or loss to envision what really matters. Know what it is? It’s doing it right, regardless of award. And that, anyone can do.
Xean
4/16/2011