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Judges Comments:
Vanda’s comments
Write Space competition entries are always a pleasure to read and judge, and the ‘Lost Love’ theme was no exception. There were 196 entries in all and a huge ‘well done’ to everyone who took part, especially as the closing date fell so soon after Christmas and the New Year, and we all experienced snow and ice throughout January. We received entries from all around the world, from Australia and New Zealand to Canada, U.S.A., France, Spain and Germany, making it a truly international competition.
This particular theme caused Linda and myself a number of headaches, as we quite simply could not agree which story should receive 3rd prize – and in the event it seemed fairer all round to create and award another 3rd prize, so this is what has happened.
It was nice to see the names of people who have won prizes, been runners-up or entered previous competitions coming to the fore once again, giving the clear message to never give up but keep writing and sending your work out.
For me, the stories which stood out were the ones which were skilfully crafted with attention to detail and those which were different from the rest and I hope you enjoy reading the winning entries. Linda and I will now be running new competitions, both with closing dates around the end of June – plenty of time to get that inspiration and creativity flowing!
Thank you to everyone who entered. It makes me feel good that 196 stories have been written, read and enjoyed, due to this competition.
Keep up the good work!
Vanda Inman
Linda’s comments
I have to say I enjoyed reading this year’s batch of stories. Lost love is a subject most of us have experienced, and many entries carried the ring of truth. I guessed some of them were based on events that had happened in people’s lives and I found that quite moving at times.
For me, as always, it’s good storytelling that impresses me the most. By that I don’t mean an unusual or outlandish plot, although that can often help, I mean stories where a character comes to life emotionally. I had no hesitation in choosing ‘Marigolds in Winter’ as the winner for that very reason.
Of course, judging in tandem, so to speak, can cause problems and this time was no exception. I have to thank Vanda for agreeing to offer two third place prizes because if she hadn’t done that, we might still be arguing about the results even now!
Vanda will be working with Della Galton next time, so I’m off to organize my own competition
(see www.akacatherinehoward.weebly.com).
Thanks again to everyone who entered.
Linda Lewis
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