April 2010 deadline
1st - Careless Talk Costs Lives by G .H. Thornhill
2nd - The Shortest Night by Katy Haye
3rd - The Cabin Boy by Diana Kay
These stories will be online soon for you to enjoy.
December 2009
1st - Parallel Lines by Thorne Moore
"Brilliant Fay! I thought I knew where your story was going - but you fooled me completely. I really enjoyed reading it. Keep up the good work!" - Pam, North Wales
2nd - Ripples on the Surface by Fay Wentworth
3rd - Sweet Little Notes by Andrew Campbell-Kearsey
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All illustrations Copyright (c) Candra Hope 2010
Michael has graced the pages of Dark Tales on two occasions, most recently with Inconsequences in Dark Tales: Volume XIV. You can read Michael's A Special Haunting in Dark Tales: Volume XIII. K. S. Dearsley has been published in Dark Tales on several occasions, including The Night Hag which you can read in Dark Tales: Issue 9 and The Face at the Window which you can find in Dark Tales: Issue 6.
October 2009
1st - Why Angels Cry by Shelby Phillips
"This story is for those of us (me included) who have suffered a broken home. In the story, she takes him back but of course it's never the same again. It took me back to when I used to have my head underneath the blankets to drown out the noise of the arguments and fighting. I'm nearly 42 now but it still hurts. The story was very well written and sent shivers down my spine, and yes the title was perfect too. Hopefully I'll write something as good as that one of these days. Well done." - Helen Lowe, Wirral, UK.
"I thought this an exceptionally well written piece. The story, as put across from the viewpoint of a somewhat naive nine year old living in the 1960s, is itself fairly straightforward. However the way this starts in the attic, and then effortlessly draws the reader back in time is most skilfully accomplished. The plot development from that point onwards is completely clear to the reader if not - and obviously not intended to be - to the young Janet. And moreover the reader actually feels involved. Also, the 'period quality' of the late '60s is there too, in speech mannerisms and so on, but is not at all over-done. An excellent title too, which makes complete sense part way through (when Janet's pet name of 'Angel' is first revealed) and finally a neat little twist at the end, which was not quite how this particular reader was expecting the story to finish. A first class example of contemporary short story writing!" - Hugh Hazelton, Downham Market, UK.
"I love the way the story evokes the period in which it is set. It has a certain feel, which I can really relate to. It reminded me of being young and terrified of the arguments. And in those days, you didn't consider voicing your fears. You suffered in silence and prayed, literally in my case, kneeling by the side of the bed, that all would be well by morning. It also shows how easily class mates can instil insecurities into a child, just with a few whispered words. Thank you for this amazing story." - Joanna Campbell, Bisley, UK.
"Simply written and a story that has been played out in real life for years and one that many of us can relate to. I became a nine year old again, sitting on the double bench of our twin desk whispering secrets to my best friend... Well done Shelby." - Angela Taylor, Halesworth, UK.
2nd - The Lucky Ones by Joyce Walker
"Your story moved me to tears. The simple act of a stranger after so much horror. It is a beautifully and simply told story of such a terrible time. Having spent time living in Croatia, it had an extra resonance for me. Congratulations and thank you." - Philippa Burne, London.
3rd - The Price of Sandalwood by Anjana Chowdhury
"Beautifully written piece! I like the way the authentic Indian language is carefully sewn in to the fabric of the text adding to the lyrical flow of the script." - Chhoto Bon, Essex, UK.
"I enjoyed The Price of Sandalwood immensely. What a lot of stories Anjana has managed to convey in such a short space - in just a few words we know a lot about Mrs Das,about her mother, about Murali,and we care about them. I love, too, the way that the sights, sounds, aromas and flavours of the subcontinent are effortlessly presented - a feast for all the senses, which makes the understated, pointless murder all the more shocking. Wonderful." - Pat Metcalfe, Manchester.
September 2009
1st - Talking to Myself by Joanne Fox
Here's some of the feedback Joanne received for her story:
"Thank you Joanne. This was a moving and gripping story. It kept my attention from start to finish." - Joanna Campbell, Bisley, UK
"This held my interest throughout with some great characterisation. Also it illustrates very well how a sudden traumatic event can cause a person to withdraw into themselves, yet still there are others with equally difficult experiences of their own to cope with. The interaction between Cass and Delilah once Cass finally allows it get started is very revealing, as also is the changing of position between the two. A good story well written!" - Hugh Hazelton, Downham Market, UK
2nd - A Summer Egg by Larry O'Sullivan
"An interest holding tale through to its conclusion, although the sometimes coloquial language is a little difficult to follow at the start. The child's interpretations and viewpoint remains consistent throughout. Although it does not actually say so, the impression is gained that this story is set at some time past, the 1950s maybe?" - Hugh Hazelton, Downham Market, UK.
3rd - The Seagulls by Fionna Barr
August 2009
1st - Smiling Eyes in the Snow by Joanna Campbell
"A very powerfully told tale which trickles information out to its reader with a gradual quickening of pace. Ultimately two lifetimes with all their triumphs and tragedies are encompassed within the one short tale. I particularly liked the revelation near the end Jess ended her relationship with the 'boy-man' because of her love for Freddie. A very compelling read, and well done for it." - Hugh Hazelton, UK
"Thank you, Joanna. Your story is beautiful, poignant, moving. Very well written." - Helen Harrison, Stratford, Canada
"I stumbled across your story by accident and was only reading it with half an eye when I realised quite how powerful it was... I put down what I was doing and returned to the beginning savouring every word! It is one of the most moving pieces I have read in a very long time! Congratulations on your win, it was very well deserved." - Rahma El Hassan, Amman, Jordan
"I really enjoyed this story. I think you have captured something of the way lives go. People make choices and have to live with them. I wonder if younger people will be as loyal to each other as these two, sticking together when times are hard." - Katie Swingewood, Blackburn, UK
2nd - The Journey Goodbye by Laura Milsom
Readers of Laura's story commented as follows:
"I read this and remember why I travel. People who have never experienced anything other than their own backyard or their own local bus line, or their own parents' meals could simply not write something like this. Muzungu, great story!" - Whitney Beck.
"I really enjoyed this story. It had so much atmosphere that I felt as though I was in that crowded bus. It moved along well and kept me reading all the way through. I thought the beginning was very strong and it also ended aptly. There were some excellent descriptions which evoked Africa beautifully." - Joanna Campbell, Bisley, UK
"This story is great, it's like going to the cinema without paying the ticket. I felt I was a passenger of the bus watching this couple during their trip through Africa. Thank you again for sharing!" - Patricio Franchi, Buenos Aires
3rd - My Potato Cupboard by Barbara Jones
Barbara received this feedback from Hugh Hazelton:
"A well put over childhood nostalgic piece. The ending comes quite abruptly, but then obviously it should. I particularly liked the very final line."
July 2009
1st: The Lift by Diana Kay
2nd: Mother's Day by Fionna Barr
Here is some of the feedback for Diana's story:
"Just to let you know how much I enjoyed Diana Kay's Story. Good atmosphere of suspense particularly around the scenes with Mrs Mac in the Macs' flat. Nice feeling of impending doom at the end. You know that the dog is probably safe but Georgie will worry about this and fear the worst throughout her holiday. Good story that held my attention right to the end, well done." - Peter Linfield, Chester, UK.
"Really enjoyed Diana Kay's story 'The Lift'. She captures brilliantly the sensitivity of a child to the undercurrents of a hidden adult world. The growing sense of horror re: Dr McCarthy held me throughout: from the first mention of him as 'Kindness Itself' to the last roadside farewell. Reminded me of short stories of the Saki and Katherine Mansfield era." - Jane Eade, UK.
"I was gripped by this story and really enjoyed the realistic dialogue. The pace was so good, with tension building all the time. I wanted to keep reading, without stopping, to the end. I had a very vivid picture of the McCarthys in my mind and they will stay with me for a long time. It was a hugely enjoyable and well-crafted story and I wish I'd written it." - Joanna Campbell, Bisley, UK.
And here is some of the feedback for Fionna's story:
"A brilliantly written story so true of many over-worked mothers today. I loved the honesty behind it and the journey it took me on.Well done Fionna, keep writing and I'll keep reading." - Laura Warnes, Ipswich.
"I found your story disturbing in the fact that it reflects the lack of communication between spouses in today's busy world culminating in the drastic action of separation. Your crisp style conveys your story perfectly and I look forward to reading more of your work." - Larry O'Sullivan, Pattaya, Thailand.
