Results of the 2016 Competition

First:      ‘Plan B’ by Monique Reymer (Ohaupo)
Second: ‘Dirty Old City’ by Sue England (Nelson)
Third:    ‘Mocked’ by Susan Battye (Auckland)

Highly Commended:

‘Love and War’ by Vivienne Bailey (Wellington)
‘Civil Disobedience’ by Celia Coyne (Christchurch)
‘Ferry Tale’ by Lynne Kohen (Nelson)
‘Ten Minutes’ by Dawn Marshall (Christchurch)
‘Fin’s Christmas’ by Jan Pryor (Carterton)
‘The Wedding Dress’ by Jan Pryor (Carterton)
‘Double Control Z’ by Lindsay Wood (Nelson)
                                                                                                        
The winning stories were published in the anthology Horizons 3

The judge, Tina Shaw, provided this report:

 Thank you for inviting me to judge this year’s competition. It has been heartening to read such a good shortlist and see that the short story form is in great shape. The ten stories that I read showed skill and humanity, excellent use of storytelling techniques, and strong characterisation. They ran the gamut from teen relationships to the expectations of older generations.
 
The best stories pushed the subject matter in some way, taking an idea in a new direction or trying out a different kind of structure; or did something fresh with language, giving voice to the main character. Several of the stories highlighted a disconnect between generations, and curiously it was often the older person who was depicted as being in the right. There seemed to be a lack of understanding between the generations that insinuated itself through many of these stories. All of the stories showed a fine understanding of human nature.
 
It’s so important that writers have opportunities like this to submit their work, and Page & Blackmore is to be congratulated on continuing to support this excellent initiative from the Top of the South branch.
 
  

Peter Rigg of Page & Blackmore Booksellers with Monique Reymer (first)

Sue England (second)

Susan Battye (third)