2017 Short Story Competition Results
RESULTS - 2017 SHORT STORY COMPETITION (2017-04-21 10:32:30)
There were 18 entries for our Young Adult themed short Story competition The judge was Andy Robb, the author of the Geekhood books, the first of which was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Award 2012. He has had many jobs over the years, most notable as an actor working on stage and screen but now spends his time writing on his house boat on the Thames; occasionally stopping to feed the ducks.
1st and the SW Short Story Competition Trophy: Beetroot Tears by Lorraine Forrest-Turner
2nd: Belle and Eddie's Gap Year by Sally East
3rd: Take Off From Panshanger by William Campbell
Commended: The Random Numbers Game by Robert Kibble, Trying To Help by Michael Pearcy and Second Hand Kid by Jules Davidson.
Photos: Lorraine receives her certificate and reads her story. We hope to gather all the winners for a group photo soon.
Of Lorraine's winning story he said, "This stood out from the beginning; great story, simple and not too clever for clevers sake. What stood out was the use of conversation. You were there, in this family from the very start. And the beetroot tear image was brilliant."
Andy admitted to being unsure what we expected as feedback and that he concentrated on being constructive. He hoped what he said about each story was useful but he said "If you believe in what you are doing just say sod it and stick to what you do."
In writing for young adults Andy said "The voice in your work should be strong, grab them from the start." He explained that adults are ready to spend more time getting into a story: "You can be more timely where adults are concerned."
"The theme and characters must be clear upfront - like the hook in a song, the young adult reader wants it there, bang," said Andy.
Andy spoke about the need for immediacy in your work for the YA reader, "You should aim to have a feeling of being in the now. I like to use the first person and writing in the present tense will also help."
Andy gave comments on all the entries. In many of his comments he referred to a lack of immediacy. In general he was impressed with the standard and as a reflection of this he needed to award three commendation certificates.