Being asked to judge on any platform of the arts is rather a daunting task, be it painting, writing, music film, or whatever the medium. One is always conscious that another judge might well select a different winner entirely, and that is always unsettling. Nothing I can do about that mind thread but fall back on my own judgement; so, having got that out the way, it was time to get down to the job in hand. I was presented with four very fat files to work my way through. What was I going to be looking for? A story, certainly, but the crafting of it, characterization, the flow of dialogue all had to fuse.
Sincerity of the tale is vital, but sincerity alone does not make good writing. Short fiction does not have the luxury of a novel where things can be allowed to develop at a slower pace. A short story drops you suddenly in the time and place - a guerrilla raid on the senses, so to speak. Move in, do the job, and out. I have a favourite short story, Hemingway’s The Killer’s, and I can think of no better example of the craft. Character, dialogue, the sureness of it are all there, and it works beautifully.
I had to work towards a shortlist and then the even harder task of narrowing that list down to final selection. I actually found the two younger writing groups harder to pick than the adult section, where, once the shortlist was decided upon, the winning stories were very clearly defined.
Winning Story – Rapunzel and the Very Annoying Prince by Peri Watson
I enjoyed the humour in this satirical take on one of the classic fairy tales, and yes, it did make me laugh aloud. Snappy, bitchy dialogue - and I can see this young writer’s (age 10) potential in future years. Rather a violent ending, leaning to excess, but given the sprit of the piece I was inclined to go with the flow. I feel compelled to quote a couple of lines of dialogue that sums up the piece rather well.
A tall, handsome man who looked like a prince stopped outside the tower and called, ‘Um, hi. I was wondering if you could direct me to the stupid tower where the fair maiden Rapunzel lives?’
Rapunzel’s eyes opened wider than an owl’s eyes.
‘ I am Rapunzel, you idiot! Can’t you dumb princes get anything right?’
I congratulate Peri Watson on writing such a wonderful piece of satire. I wish her every success for future writing ventures.
There is only one prize awarded to the under 13 category, but I would like to mention Callum John’s story Curly Goes to the International Teddy Bears Picnic; a good story that could be further developed and would have great appeal to the young reader. And at only seven years old, Jack Carroll’s story Running With the Train managed in only 450 words to sketch out three characters and storyline.
I would like to thank all the under 13s for taking the time and effort to send a story in and encourage their desire to write. To write is to imagine and what better time to imagine than when you’re young and the world is fresh for discovery.
Commended (in no order of merit):
2nd Prize: Solitude and the Smell of Old Books by Emily Paull is a story set in a library with the two characters drawn to each other by a mutual devotion to books, and the flirtation that arises from their meeting. A very simple piece, well written, amusing, and full of the insecurities of teenage attraction.
1st Prize: The Wings of Flies by Stella MacDonald. I enjoyed this story immensely. A tale of family politics and conflict created by the narrator’s anti-war stance. This story manages to say a lot within the scope of 1300 words. Character and dialogue skilfully handled. A fine effort indeed.
From a total of 158 open entries, I emerged with an impressive ‘shortlist’ of 24 stories; from these I made my selections for first, second and third prizes, followed by five commended stories.
Commended (in no order of merit):
3rd Prize:
The Soccer Ball by Desmond Kelly. Wonderful story concerning an aging priest and a teacher set on a Pacific island. Sense of place is fully realized, as are the characters. The writing is strong and assured with believable dialogue and one of those stories that hold you in its grip, and you know you would like to hear more from the author. This piece was strong on my shortlist from the very beginning and, on further readings, became a definite for third place.<,p>
* Of course, when I receive the stories for judging, the authors names are not revealed, but I am convinced that my selections of first and second prize are penned by the same author ...
2nd Prize:
Lost and found on the Rue de Rivoli by Joanne Riccioni. I found it really hard to separate first and second prize from two really strong entries. But a decision has to be made, and this is it. Lost and Found ... is a very accomplished story indeed. Set in Paris, it involves the finding of a wedding ring on the street and the tension it creates between Oliver and his partner Ali. In 2500 words we learn a lot about this relationship and the characters. The writing is powerful and accomplished and is exactly what a good short story should be – it works on all levels, with just enough said and no more. It leaves me very keen to read more from this author and I suspect, by the quality of the writing, I will be able to do so in publication.
1st Prize:
Flick Chick by Joanne Riccioni. I was very taken by the voice in this story, the skilful combination of humour and pathos, and I was also conscious of the fact, as I was in the previously mentioned story, that here is a writer who knows exactly what they are doing. Everything is tightly controlled, seamless, and you know it has been worked and drafted to get it to this level. This story concerns a woman’s self analysis of her life and relationships from the platform of films she has seen across the years. As I stated, it was hard to split first and second place, but I believe it was the actuality of the voice in this piece that won me over in the end. A story with wide appeal, I’m sure. I look forward to future stories from this author. My congratulations.
Mike Williams, North Perth
wilpol@iinet.net.au
08 9228 9662 POBox 538 North Perth WA 6906
The Young Writer Categories of the Katharine Susannah Prichard Short Fiction Awards are sponsored by the Shire of Mundaring
The Open Section Category of the Katharine Susannah Prichard Short Fiction Award is sponsored by the Mundaring Community Bank of the Bendigo Bank.