Lichfield and District Writers
Short Story Competition
Results 2008
1. Adrienne Howell, Mere, Wilts Lucky Jack Cash
A beautifully crafted, eerie story. The brilliance of this story lies in the fact the ‘hero’ of the piece is anything but, and yet he is oddly likeable. There is a raw, bawdry realism to the piece, and the humour combined with the camaraderie of life in the ranks of the armed forces is very well realised. Suffused with magic realism, this is a haunting, multilayered tale that is a true credit to the writer’s innate skill.
2.Christine Genovese, France Butterflies
From the beautiful title to the startling, evocative imagery, there are moments of brilliance to this story. It is an unpredictable tale, effective and evocative. I felt empathy for the main character, Jill, and in spite of the crime she committed in the past. A very good example of three dimensional characterisation, outstanding imagery and concise plot.
3. Bruce Harris, Seaton, Devon Eyes Together, Eyes Apart
Certainly the most ambitious of the short list, this story is also outstanding in terms of characterisation. An unusual structure that works surprisingly well, and that provides the holy grail of the short story format – an effective ending. The story tackles bold subject matter – the intricacies of the human condition. Emotional and gutsy, with an unusual and unique authorial voice.
Highly Commended:
Brenda Ray, Mickleover, Derby.................... The Hot Tub
Delightfully wicked! Lovely, despicable characterisation with lots of juicy dialogue… a perfect gem of a short story.
Pam Eaves, Buckhurst Hill, Essex................. The Trunk in the Attic
Lots of lovely details in the story. Loved the ending – very nice twist, playful, amusing, and full of hope that there is ‘life in the old dog yet.’
Commended:
Sally Jenkins, Sutton Coldfield One Day for Me
A macabre tale that is very well rendered… uplifting in its final moments.
Short-listed:
Short Listed:
Ruth Dugdall, Felixstowe.............................. New Tricks
Annette Keen, Eastbourne............................. Glass Houses
Clare Girvan, Exeter...................................... New Paint
Jacquelynn Luben, Purbright......................... A Glimpse of the Sky
Jacquelynn Luben, Purbright......................... The Seagull
Catherine Osborn, London............................ A Mind of Her Own
Nemone Thornes, London............................. Wave Goodbye
Janet Crouch, Burton-on-Trent...................... School Fees
Anne Goodwin, Mansfield............................ Spring Cleaning
June Hendon, Lichfield................................. History Repeating Itself
Rachel Crowther, Oxford.............................. Radical Design
Jo Derrick, Rugby.......................................... My Mate Stanley
Certificates of
achievement are sent to all short-listed entrants.
Adjudicator’s Report
Firstly I would like to say how delighted I was to be asked to adjudicate the Lichfield and District Writers Short Story Competition for 2008. It has been a real honour to read the short list, which was a beautiful patchwork of inspiration and imagination.
For me, just putting down thoughts on paper and being willing to share them – and risk possible criticism – is a commendable act. There are millions of would-be writers out there. The difference between a published and an unpublished writer is simply the nerve to put your work out there, and keep putting it out there no matter what. It is also about the graft and craft of writing. Few of us are born geniuses. Professional writers constantly strive to improve, putting in long hours and learning to bounce back from hard knocks in this very competitive industry.
So, what was I looking for as an adjudicator? A thoroughly satisfying read which wholly immersed me, the reader, in a uniquely rendered world. Characters had to be living, breathing creations. Dialogue had to be authentic and aid the story rather than impede it – after all, it is dialogue which helps characters to live in the here and now, allowing a writer to embrace the ‘Show not tell’ truism. In addition, I was looking for that little sprinkling of authorial magic which lets a story soar.
Ultimately, as in any competition, there are winners and those whose work hasn’t quite taken off yet. To reiterate my earlier sentiment, it is the act of submitting a story in the first place which is to be applauded. Everything else is a matter of dedication, determination and a hefty dose of perseverance.
Thank you for sharing your stories with me.
Kim Lakin-Smith March 2009
About the Adjudicator
Kim is a published science fiction and dark fantasy author. Her debut novel, Tourniquet (Immanion Press) was nominated for a British Fantasy Award in 2007. Her short stories have been published in Celebration, the British Science Fiction Association's (BSFA) 50th birthday anthology, the Myth-Understandings women writers’ anthology, All Hallows magazine, and Interzone among others. She has worked as co-editor of the BSFA's media magazine Matrix, and is a regular guest speaker at writing workshops and conventions.
Acknowledgements
Lichfield and District Writers sincerely thank Kim Lakin-Smith
for agreeing to adjudicate the 2008 Short Story Competition and we are grateful
to her for permission to reproduce her comments on individual entries. Kim was
kind enough to give her comments on all the stories in the short-list and these
will be sent to the authors. Thank you, Kim.
It is with sadness and great regret that L&DW announce that the 2008 Short Story Competition is our last. It’s been fifteen interesting years and we’ve seen some excellent stories from entrants both home and abroad. Our thanks go to all who have helped to make the competition a success, and our good wishes for a rewarding and profitable career for all writers, everywhere.
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