2025 Competition winners
We are pleased to announce:
First Prize; "The Binary Illness" written by Miriam Smith of Sale, Victoria 3850
Second Prize; "A Sphincter-clenching mishap" written by Chris Burchett of
Newington, Victoria 3350
Third Prize; "Nellie's gift" written by Jan Wallis of Lakes Entrance, Victoria 3909
Congratulations to all winners.
Judge's comments:
Overall, this year's entries provided an interesting range of topics, characters and ideas. There were some very funny stories; some very wry endings.
The judges agree it was a pleasure to read such a range of tales with topics ranging from heart breaking to a great mix of humorous and likeable characters across the spectrum-mostly realized well within the framework and time limits of a short story.
There were a few which were not easy to follow, the ideas might have been there, but were poorly developed.
Some stories lacked a sense of urgency which can turn readers away and appear rather flat.
We are pleased to note that the language, as far as grammar, spelling and so on, is very good right across all entries and has been increasingly so forthe last few years.
Subjects are also up to date although some writers tended to take an approach which led to convoluted and needlessly long beginnings.
Finally, the judges would like to thank Fiona Seaton for her amazing work over so many years, and especially the Friends of the Paynesville Library committee for their support and continuing endeavour to encourage creativity and the short story form.
We came to our decisions most agreeably and they are as follows:
First: The Binary Illness
Click to read
Although a very short, short story, the Binary Illness is a clever, observational piece taking a triggering part of today's technological revolution and perhaps the Covid years and creating an immensely funny tale, beautifully put together. A laugh out loud story.
Second: A Sphincter- Clenching Mishap
Click to read
Very well written laconic piece, an adventure with a delightful ending following a terrifying crocodile incident. Headed for an island, caught by the tide-almost demolished by a croc or two -and a cheery survival. Most enjoyable.
Third: Nellie's Gift
Click to read
A very sweet story showing Hector's love for Nellie and the story of a valued fob watch. Excellent work, a very appealing well crafted story, making use of period names, and places like the pawn shop to set the tone for a delightful tale.
Best wishes to all: Rosemary Douglas, Bill Cotter and Jill Ellis - July 2025
A note from FOPL
Another year another short story competition - the fourteenth actually. Who would have believed when our then President, Virginia Linton-Smith made the bold suggestion to have a competition for writers of all types to enter, and have their work professionally evaluated. It turned out to be a very successful idea.
FOPL hopes it has encouraged some emerging writers and more established writers to feel the desire to compose a story to enter.
Congratulations to the winning writers and thank you for entering our competition. We hope it may inspire you to bigger and better things.
FOPL would like to thank all the entrants for submitting a story. It is very rewarding to watch the entries coming in and we are always thrilled to see entries from all over Australia.
A very special thank you to our exceptionally experienced judges, Jill Ellis, Bill Cotter and Rosemary Douglas who have been judging since the beginning of the competition. I really feel without their encouragement and enthusiasm the competition may not still be in existence.
Special thanks also to FOPL Exec. Jan Gamble & Petra Hammond for all their help and support.
Thanks to Leanne and Library Staff for their very valuable help.
Keep writing, the world needs good stories.
Thank you
Fiona Seaton
Chair
FOPL
FOPL are holding a morning tea and Short Story presentations on Friday 1st August at 10.30 in the Paynesville Library. All welcome.