2024 Hermit Crab Prize Winners
Nine brilliant stories to read!
Hi, I am delighted to bring you the the nine winning stories from the 2024 Hermit Crab Prize. I loved the humour, pathos, and social commentary woven through these many different forms.
It has been really hard to choose the final winners and over the past weeks, the stories in the top spots have changed places continuously. But I had to make a decision and I’m excited to announce the first winners of this new annual prize here at WestWord. A huge congratulations to them all, and especially to Mairead Robinson and Fiona Dignan who both had two stories make it through to the last round.
I’m already looking forward to reading the stories for the next prize and I hope you enjoy this year’s winners as much as I have.
With love,
First Place: Life O’Level by Chris Cottom
Why I chose it: I loved this whole lifetime story told in the form of an exam paper and the flawed protagonist answering the questions about how he’d done as a human in this life of his. The ending really tied it all together beautifully.
Second Place: How to Become a Catastrophist in 6 Easy Steps by Wendy Mages
Why I chose it: Great humour in this Agony Aunt letter and response that also shines a light on the fear culture at the heart of our media and societies, which, in turn, is at the heart of the high levels of stress, anxiety and depression we’re seeing.
Third Place: I’ve masturbated twice already today, so play Wordle for a bit because it gives me something else to do with my hands by Mairead Robinson
Why I chose it: Such a great way to use Wordle to reveal the story of this woman’s relationship with men, herself and her body through the words picked. Sad, poignant and also quite beautiful.
Shortlisted Stories
A Guide to Body Hair by Mairead Robinson
Is this a love story? Find out by taking our true love quiz! by Fiona Dignan
Lost Letters by Ben Daggers
Participant's Notes and First Jottings at a Workshop on Writing Fiction by Ruth Edwardson
Please Tell the Moths I Love You by Fiona Dignan
Rules of Trespass by Kate Axeford
Deadline tomorrow!
Send us your micro, flash and short stories for the August edition of WestWord!
