1000 Word Photo Edition - 2023 Winners
Read the winning stories
We are delighted to bring you the first winning and shortlisted stories in this new annual contest we are running here at WestWord.
Congratulations to the writers of these fantastic stories!
First Place: The Art of Letting Go by Fiona Dignan
Why we chose it: Beautiful imagery, lovely atmosphere and we loved the whole-life journey the protagonist went on in so few words.
Second Place: Never Too Late by Dreena Collins
Why we chose it: Moving without being sentimental and a great sense of mystery all the way through as we wondered who this man was going to meet.
Third Place: A Measure of Life and Death by Stephanie Percival
Why we chose it: Great premise and the protagonist’s voice is distinctive and the physicality of her decline wonderfully portrayed.
Shortlisted
An Urgent Matter by Mairead Robinson
The Circular Wreath by Angela Fitzpatrick
We hope you enjoy these stories as much as we did!
The photo prompt for the 2024 competition is now live so you have plenty of time to write for the December deadline!
In the meantime, the Hermit Crab Prize closes this month and we’re really looking forward to reading your innovative stories. I ran a workshop at the weekend looking at how you make sure your hermit crab flashes don’t sacrifice story for form and you can buy the replay here for £10. The link to watch it is in the confirmation page after making payment.
Feedback from writers who came includes:
“Truly excellent!”
“Very motivating, thank you!”
“Thank you Amanda - this has been really fun and very helpful.”
“This was a great workshop!”
Starting this week, I’m also going to be running a new chat thread for paid subscribers here at WestWord to get help with titles for stories. You’ll be able to share your story and get ideas from other members on possible titles. Something everyone who came to the workshop said they would be really interested in!
Paid subscribers also get submissions and workshops included with their membership.
Hope to see you at a workshop and read your words soon!
With love,
