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2009 Prose (A) Results - "Super Short Story Competition"
JUDGES’ REPORT & RESULTS
CATEGORY A : SHORT STORY
There were 127 stories entered in this section, providing the judges with a rich feast of reading and a tough task to select a short list of only eight. Each story was read at least twice, then a process of elimination began, in which the judges asked these questions:
1. Is the title clever and intriguing, relating to the tale, or boring and banal? 2. Are the characters clearly drawn and believable, is their dialogue realistic? 3. Does the story have a point and is the pace maintained throughout, with no drop-off? 4. Are the basic writing skills of spelling, punctuation and grammar adhered to? 5. Is the opening arresting, with no ‘set-up’ details wasting word allotment? 6. Does the ending satisfy, with no attempt to ‘preach’ to the reader? 7. Is there strong imagery, with skilful use of language, or are there too many clichés? 8. Does the story have a powerful impact, leaving the reader with a lasting impression?
The winning eight all stood out from the rest by virtue of the above points, the judges feeling privileged to have read them. While there were many good stories among the remainder, a careful edit by the authors, asking themselves the above questions, should produce stories which would be highly competitive in another competition. Congratulations to all who entered for attempting the daunting and difficult task of writing that most taxing of prose, the super-short story.
Results
1st - Hot Dogs From Heaven by Maggie Veness
2nd - Weeping For Jed by Vicky Daddo
Highly Commended: An Atrocious Art by Jasmine Logue Uncle Gav’s Pav by Peta West My Hands by Jacqueline Winn
Commended: Maria by Richard Brookton The Least He Could Do by Alistair Sutton Summer by Maggie Szabo
Worthy of Mention: Right As Rain by Susan McCreery The Overlander by John McMullan
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-- 2009 Prose (A) Results |