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First: Lessons in Horticulture by Rachael Dunlop Second: Attar of Roses by Jan Harris Third: I Am In the Wool by Sarah Baxter Click on the titles to read the three winning stories
Highly Commended: Cartoon Me by Kerry Chiron
Judge’s Report for the first quarter’s competition 2014 from Ruth Dugdall
Good flash fiction can be as satisfying, as resonant, as a full length story. Within a very small wordage the narrative can still contain all the elements we’d expect from a longer piece, in terms of plot, character and pace. It is, however, a challenge to do this within 500 words, and all the more impressive therefore that so many of the shortlisted stories conveyed atmosphere without skimping, and told a tale without confusing. The twenty-five shortlisted entries showed an abundance of creativity, a rainbow of emotions, and explored a variety of settings. Some themes pervaded; there were fewer humorous pieces, and several about abuse or death. These darker themes were handled with skill and originality; a girl who is abused after being stranded because she cannot afford the bus fare home (Nine Pence), a sister who kills herself as the final denouement to her troubled family relationships (Two Sisters and a Train). These stories were in my top five. With so many strong contenders it was hard to choose winners, but I did so by putting my notes aside for a day, and seeing which stories I could still remember in the following days, which one still resonated in my thoughts after I had finished reading. 1st: Lessons in Horticulture Tightly executed, showing excellent use of the form, this lesson in horticulture was really a (bitter) lesson in love. Perfectly constructed, the author holds the tension and emotion throughout and the narrative is executed with satisfying clarity. Beautiful.
2nd: Attar of Roses Simple and heartfelt, this piece is timely given the imminent anniversary of the commencement of World War 1. The central concept of two envoys arriving at the same moment is effective, and the conclusion poignant, as our protagonist refuses to acknowledge the death of her beloved. Heartfelt.
3rd: I Am In the Wool Surely this author is a poet? Words are chosen carefully for their rhythm, repetition is used for emphasis. A complex and compelling exploration of fabric and the deeper meanings woven in to the narration. Skilful.
Highly Commended: Cartoon Me Very memorable and effective, so much so that I read it aloud to my kids. The conflicted narrator, who copes with her guilt at being a bully by creating a cartoon self to do the right thing, would strike a chord with a teen reader. Unusual and believable.
We now regularly receive several hundred entries each quarter, so those making the long and short lists should feel very proud.
Short Listed Entries — in alphabetical order
Attar of Roses by Jan Harris Bye Bye Blackbird by Susan Howe Cartoon Me by Kerry Chiron Cast In Order of Appearance by Helen Victoria Anderson Countdown by Susan Howe Desolation and Dogs by Lydia Devadason Forty One Weeks by Edwina Jones Have Mercy by Anthony Farmer Holocaust by Holly Enston Home Movies by Karl A Russell I Am In the Wool by Sarah Baxter Le Souffler De Bulles by Karl A Russell Lessons in Horticulture by Rachael Dunlop Like by David Tombesi-Walton Monster by Vanessa Savage Naiad by Malcolm Galfe Nine Pence by Julia Thorley On The Wall by Harry Boulding Snake by Tracy Fells Stoning the Crows by Andrea Wotherspoon Supple Limbs by Murdoch Matheson The Alphabet Game by Pauline Brown Things in Small Packages by Pauline Brown Twist of Guilt by Sue Uden Two Sisters and a Train by Elizabeth Willcox
Long Listed Entries — in alphabetical order
A Blank Wall by A Stefanovic A Life Lived In Colour by Vanessa Savage Angel, Oil on Canvas by Philip James Taylor Annie is Sleeping by Sherri Turner Attar of Roses by Jan Harris Baby by Rachael Smart Blood Orange by Sherri Turner Broken Glass by Holly Enston Bye Bye Blackbird by Susan Howe Cartoon Me by Kerry Chiron Cast In Order of Appearance by Helen Victoria Anderson Coming Home by Sylvia Fairley Countdown by Susan Howe Crab Pool by Marilyn Messenger Desolation and Dogs by Lydia Devadason Echoes of the Somme by Frances Colville Forty One Weeks by Edwina Jones Grass by Ray Targett Have Mercy by Anthony Farmer Holocaust by Holly Enston Home Movies by Karl A Russell I Am In the Wool by Sarah Baxter If There's Such a Thing as Genius... by E.L Norry Le Souffler De Bulles by Karl A Russell Lessons in Horticulture by Rachael Dunlop Like by David Tombesi-Walton Liquid Lunch by Lynn Valentine Metamorphis by Rachael Smart Monday Morning by Eilidh Mackay Monster by Vanessa Savage Naiad by Malcolm Galfe Nine Pence by Julia Thorley On The Wall by Harry Boulding Peripheral Vision by Judith Dell Panny Shift of perspective by Nigel Tomlinson Signs by Karen Jones Snake by Tracy Fells Stoning the Crows by Andrea Wotherspoon Supple Limbs by Murdoch Matheson Sweetheart by Supie Dunbar The Alphabet Game by Pauline Brown The Interpretation of Dreams by Kaori Crawford The Stone by Hilary Taylor The Temperature of Tea by Karen Gardner The Troll by Alexander Grant-Said Things in Small Packages by Pauline Brown Twist of Guilt by Sue Uden Two Sisters and a Train by Elizabeth Willcox Yamazakura by Charles Bliss |
