Results

We are pleased to announce the results of the third biennial Write Now! Short Story Competition for 2011. This year's theme was 'Smoke and Mirrors'.

Thanks to everyone who entered. The winners of the three main prizes are:

First Prize - Chloe Banks, The Last Illusion

Second Prize - Philip Hall, The Party of the Third Part

Third Prize - D R D Bruton, Ball and Cups

In addition, there are 3 runners up, each of whom receive a £10 book token:

• Ann Nibbs, The Reckoning
• Tracey Fells, Small Miracles
• Martin Ward, Harry Belafonte's Arm

First Prize - 'In a Spot', by David Bonnett

A moving story about Eric, a dapper manservant, left by his wife who thought him puny. The character is very believable, and gains sympathy from the reader, but continues to annoy. His state of mind is well drawn with an act of stupidity (apprehending a yob for dropping litter) that leads to greater trouble for the buffoon. Good description builds suspense as Eric’s back-story unravels and we feel for him. The powerful twist at the end finds him rescued by the yob who, realising that Eric has lost his toupee, delivers the final humiliation. This is an emotional story with wit, and a perceptive portrait of the human condition.

Second Prize - 'The Edge of the World' by K S Dearsley

The Edge of the World takes us quickly and convincingly to a strange world. Names of another time transport us to a parochial existence, with deft description. I was curious about the edge and its reality, the fear of the unknown. There is a strong sense of the outsider, as the rites of passage story gains pace. The feeling of suppression is well written and we are on Garedd’s side against this small-minded world. The end, though complete, leaves the reader reflecting on the boy's decision. A provocative tale.

Third Prize - 'On the Edge' - by Hilary Meadowcroft

This story was driven by a food metaphor, a topical obsession. As other judges felt, I was hungry at the end, if slightly overfed throughout the story. Excellent detail painted the kitchen preparations and exotic dishes. The main character of the exhausted kitchen worker was well portrayed and her observations delightful (the hunt seen as devils on horseback). The moving idea of her journey through the wood laden with utensils, builds tension well, but the rather open-ended meal for one left me guessing, but hopefully in a better place for this likeable character.

Runners up

'On a Clear Day' - Chloe Banks A powerful monologue, with a very believable vulnerable character whom we want to win. The writing delivers her sad situation powerfully, but her revenge is a little sudden and not as believable.

'On the Edge' - Linda Woodrow A fast chronological tale with sensitive writing. Emotional moments well portrayed such as loss of school friend as she sits on swing. A little more action would help communicate this human tale.

'Mr Gorzynski Takes The Plunge' – Celeste Goschen Good title, that takes us to a well described world, with informed scientific detail that avoids too much pathos in this suicide tale. The second characters are well drawn, and entertaining, although the end rather jolted.

Final Thoughts

Many thanks to all who entered the Competition, for providing a high standard and diverse range of stories. Thanks also to our intermediate panel of judges - Ben Keenan, Sherrie Rozier and Sheila Johnson - and our final judge Dave Pescod, who also supplied the appraisal of each winning story.

There will be a Presentation Evening on Tuesday the 19th May 2009 at Waterstones Bookstore in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk to celebrate the event and hear the winning stories. For further details contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .