1000 word challenge

Winners

‘This Time’ – 15 December 2017

Thank you to everyone who put pen to paper for our ‘This time’ competition. We had a huge number of entries, making our job as judges especially difficult.

Your stories covered themes of regret, repetition and revenge. We met time-travelling scientists, idealistic foster parents, vampires and serial killers.

We particularly enjoyed Jeanna Skinner’s farcical tale of a philandering violin teacher, which genuinely made us laugh. And we were moved by two very different stories - Wendy Turner’s central character, Max, is definitely not OK with his parents’ recent separation, while Leanne Drain’s protagonist is inspiring in her determination to overcome the obstacles she faces.

We’ve published three great stories – we hope you’ll enjoy them as much as we did.

‘Vial Bodies’ by Thea Lacey is the beautifully-written tale of a couple struggling with IVF and hoping that ‘this time’ will bring the baby they so desperately want. Thea skilfully uses a selection of small scenes to paint the bigger picture of their strained relationship. We loved Thea’s story and we’re delighted to give her first prize of £100.

‘Changing Times’ by Rob Nisbet is a quirky and original take on the theme. We hope you’ll enjoy the story of two old gents frustrated by Ruth Belville, the real-life Greenwich Time Lady. Rob really stood out from the crowd. He’s a worthy winner of our £50 second prize, for his distinctive and well-considered story.

‘She Transforms’ by Rowena Fishwick is our third prize winner. She has created a strong and likeable character in Natalie, who isn’t at all happy about her older sister growing up. Rowena’s story is both funny and melancholy. Her relatable story is a great read and deserving of the £25 prize.

We’ve also awarded one £10 commendation prize. ‘Our Time’ by Michael Quayle is a clever response to the theme. His protagonist’s romantic ups and downs are all witnessed by the pig-shaped plastic egg timer in his kitchen. It’s a strong story with a hint of nostalgia.

Shortlist

‘Ready’ by Katie Burchett
‘Do You Still Think Badminton isn’t a Contact Sport?’ by Sam Burt
‘She Transforms’ by Rowena Fishwick
‘In the Bleak Midwinter’ by Joshua King
‘Vial Bodies’ by Thea Lacey
‘Changing Times’ by Rob Nisbet
‘Our Time’ by Michael Quayle
‘19th Century Text Messages’ by Ralph Rickards
‘Bittersweet Symphony’ by Jeanna Skinner
‘Not OK’ by Wendy Turner

Longlist

‘Ready’ by Katie Burchett
‘Do You Still Think Badminton isn’t a Contact Sport?’ by Sam Burt
‘Robots for a Day’ by Paula Conway
‘[UL] FREQ – 290017™’ by Bartholomew Cryan
‘I used to be able to write all the time’ by Leanne Drain
‘She Transforms’ by Rowena Fishwick
‘Nonstop’ by Molly Gartland
‘Darkness’ by Julia Graves
‘Twenty-six’ by B F Jones
‘A Lesson in Fishing’ by Billy Karalus
‘In the Bleak Midwinter’ by Joshua King
‘Vial Bodies’ by Thea Lacey
‘Changing Times’ by Rob Nisbet
‘Our Time’ by Michael Quayle
‘19th Century Text Messages’ by Ralph Rickards
‘Bittersweet Symphony’ by Jeanna Skinner
‘Not OK’ by Wendy Turner
‘Separation’ by Carter Vincent
‘Almost Like You’ by Marcia Woolf

Congratulations to all our entrants and thanks to everyone who took up the challenge.