Meet our 100 words competition winners

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 100 words

WINNERS

When we launched the 100 words competition at the beginning of 2017, we weren’t sure whether it would capture the interest of our readership. However, after receiving hundreds of entries during the course of the year, it has more than proven itself.

Jennie Clayton

My father, a Lane Cove resident, was immediately sparked by the ‘100 words’ competition idea and challenged me to a duel that I could not refuse.

Writing a story using only 100 words was like trying to figure out the Rubik's Cube. It was certainly challenging, and yet immensely satisfying. It was tricky to create a feeling of space and time within the exact word limit.

The stories I wrote were some that I’ve wanted to put into words for a long time. I believe that everyone has a good yarn to tell.

Is it luck that the car smacked into the embankment rather than plough through oncoming traffic after a fierce battle with the death wobbles?

The second on the scene was a living angel who, with a word, calmed two large, terrified dogs that threatened to shred the first. He then held the head of the unconscious driver until the heart attack spittle cleared from his mouth and the professionals arrived.

Luck indeed this angel, master dog whisperer and life saver, had a strengthening hand on his back from his mum, as her 14-year-old son did his miraculous work. Selecting three winning entries from the almost 100 short stories that were published was no easy decision and we would like to congratulate Conchita GarSantiago, Jennie Clayton and Chris Curtis. Here our three winners explain the appeal of the competition. We have also re-published their winning entries. As we continue the competition into 2018, Jennie, one of our winners, lays down the challenge:

“The gauntlet is on the ground. Will you dare to jump in and have a go in 2018?”

Our 100 words competition winners for 2017 were recently presented with a book voucher and certificate. From left to right is Peter Clayton (accepting on behalf of his daughter Jennie Clayton); Conchita GarSantiago and Chris Curtis.

Chris Curtis

Some years ago, an article on LLoyd Rees, another Lane Cove resident, appeared. He was quoted as saying something like, "Everyone has some means of artistic expression", so I thought I would give writing a try.

Creative writing is a hobby that I have been pursuing for the past nine years.

The 100-word competition is very good for flexing the brain. Like all writing, the starting point is finding the idea. It can simply entertain, or have a serious social purpose. It surprises me how much can be said in a few words, but often words get in the way and it is better to let the scene tell the story.

April chopped the onion with a brisk economic rhythm. Eggs broke, she beat and folded, adding a little milk and salt. “Yes my dear, ready soon.” Tears welled and she tried to wipe her eye with the back of her hand, forgetting too late the bruised and swollen socket. She winced and returned to the task. A little oil and she poured the egg into the pan. Yes officer, we had a problem with rats. She tried a humourless chuckle but her bruised ribs hurt. “Almost ready, dear” she called as she reached under the sink for the final ingredient.

Conchita GarSantiago

It wasn't until I came to this country over ten years ago, from Spain, that I started to do a few courses in writing. I suppose the beauty of the surroundings inspired me. Also the memory of my mother made me write what I couldn't tell her anymore.

I found out about this competition through my writing group in the city. My motivation to enter was to test my writing. I could write and write, but if I don't take part in competitions, I can't see if it is good or not.

Big chubby fingers with uneven torn nails. Those were Mum's hands. Ugly to the rest of the world, beautiful to me. They had a handkerchief for my nose when I was sick and for my eyes when I was crying. They had a brush for my hair when I wanted to be beautiful and a needle with cotton when I needed a new dress.

But when they were empty, they were the most beautiful.

I specially love those hands when they were empty, because they could envelope my face with love, keeping all my body warm and my soul happy.

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