LEAPA Writing Competition 2022 (100-word fiction)
Results
Because a number of the submitted works were written as poems, it was felt that these should be separated in order to avoid having to compare two very different forms of writing. As a result, there are two winners and three runners-up. Titles in all categories are in alphabetical order.
Prose
Winner:
Round-about now by Wendy Winn Delightful and complete story, well told using fitting and visual language. Humorous, yet not without emotional appeal
Runners-up:
Truth by Janine Horsburgh Depth of meaning and apt use of metaphor more associated with poetry. Thought provoking and free of pathos
The Virus (part 3) by Dubravka Susilovic Telling details bringing into focus the terrible powerlessness of loss
Short List:
Amber Flame (6) by Sultana Raza Stark picture of obstinate obsession
Bear Hug by Neil Hatfield Story that lifts the reader out of the realms of the ordinary
Foreboding by Artur Furtado Dark sequence of images exposing a personal horror
Hope by Janine Horsburgh Revealing description of a man caught by his infidelity
Postcard from an Algerian Jail by Neil Hatfield Refreshingly upbeat response to personal failure
Saboteur by Wendy Winn Perceptive portrait of an older and lonely woman
Poetry
Winner:
Le Puy by Janine Horsburgh Multi-layered depiction of the human need for meaning
Runner-up:
The Breakfast Journey by Artur Furtado Delightfully refreshing look at a weekly ritual
Short List:
The Covenant by Janine Horsburgh Pared down yet vivid description of an impotent god