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Judges Comments:
Vanda’s comments
It is always a pleasure to run and judge a writing competition, and this one, based on the theme of ‘The Lie’, was no exception.
My reward for organising the competition was 164 stories which provided plenty of entertaining reading, and it always good to know that those stories were written directly as a result of our competition.
Although I compiled the shortlist, Della Galton selected the final winners, and I agreed absolutely with her judgement. A very well done to all who entered and, if your story did not receive a prize, please don’t be disheartened – give it another read through and try it somewhere else. As always, the most important part is the writing, and if 164 people have had some pleasure in writing their stories, that’s good enough for me.
You will see that Linda Mitchelmore has taken the top spot once again! Well done Linda – this shows that good writing always shines through and is particularly impressive as her stories have been placed first by two different judges, this time Della Galton and the last, Linda Lewis.
Please do read the winning entries, which I am sure you will enjoy.
Until next time...
Happy writing!
Vanda Inman
Della’s comments
When I received the shortlist of fifteen from Vanda I was very excited – I had an afternoon of fine reading to look forward to – and I wasn’t disappointed.
The stories were excellent. Every story on the shortlist deserved its place. In such a strong field it was difficult to choose.
It was a particularly tough job to choose between the winner and the runner up. I chose What’s Needed Now as the winner because I thought the control of plot and characters was masterful – and because it moved me to tears. I believed in that story.
I chose One Bite Does It as runner up because it was so funny and clever. And what is more original than the very first lie ever told? I thought the twist was wonderful too.
Preparing for Winter was not an original theme, but it was such wonderful fresh writing that it had to be third.
Cold Tea (Highly Commended) was a beautifully written story in a great setting. Ways of Getting Through (Highly Commended) was wonderfully moving and sensitive.
The other writers who made the shortlist should also be extremely proud. In a competition with a less strong field – or indeed a different judge – you may well have won a place.
I noticed when I wrote the (optional) critiques many other good stories, which might well sell – I have indicated on your critique if I felt this might be the case with you.
Good luck and many congratulations to you all.
Della Galton
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