Short story competition winners 2008
We’re pleased to announce the finalists in our short story competition and publish the winning entry.
Picking a winner from the hundreds of entries for our short story competition, held this year for the first time in association with Costa Book Awards, was hard.
The panel (clockwise from right) Sue James, director of LAW literary agency Araminta Whitley, woman&home books editor Fanny Blake, Costa Book Awards director Bud McLintock and best-selling author Deborah Moggach. Also on the judging panel were woman&home editor at large Tessa Hilton and best-selling author Victoria Hislop.
The winner
One Careful Owner by Hazel Osmond
Hazel Osmond, 48, is a freelance advertising copywriter from Northumberland.
One Careful Owner provides a thought-provoking insight into the workings of a married couple, where the husband’s all-consuming interest in cars threatens the relationship. The judges were in complete agreement about the originality and skill demonstrated in Hazel’s entry. “Witty” and “funny” were words used by Araminta Whitley, while Deborah Moggach was particularly keen on the “lovely, natural voice and efficient style”.
The runners-up
A Boy at Play by Fiona Barr
Fiona, 61, is retired and lives in East Sussex.
The story: A mother recalls the childhood of her son, after he is killed in Iraq.
Judges say: Touching, with a wonderful writing style.
The Butcher’s Boy of St-Gervaise by Susie Morgan
Susie, 52, is a data administrator and lives in West Yorkshire.
The story: A chance encounter leads to love for single mum-of-one Lizzie.
Judges say: An original take on a common theme.
Appassionata by Cathie Hartigan
Cathie, 52, teaches creative writing in Devon.
The story: Musician Sally gives the solo performance of a lifetime.
Judges say: Sweet, funny and interesting.
Miss Ferrimore’s Niece by Sally Butler
Sally, 54, is a marketing consultant and lives in the East Midlands.
The story: A couple discover secrets about their new home’s former owner.
Judges say: A simple plot with a clever, detailed twist.
Going For It by Shaukina Orton
Shaukina, 49, is a teacher in Somerset.
The story: A school reunion inspires Shirl to succeed.
Judges say: Clever use of dialogue develops a strong set of characters.
The Coach Trip by Joanna Campbell
Joanna, 47, lives in the Cotswolds.
The story: Yvonne gains independence after a peer takes advantage of her on a school trip to Germany.
Judges say: Nicely written with good attention to detail.
Sweet Pea Nothings by Louise Sharland
Louise, 44, is a university administrator from Plymouth.
The story: An emotional tale of a couple’s determination to have a child.
Judges say: Well written with an interesting ambiguity.
Passion Play by Wendy Johnson
Wendy, 45, lives in Yorkshire.
The story: A husband takes revenge for his wife’s affair.
Judges say: Original with a well thought-out ending.
Mr Bach’s Organ Shoes by Juliet Abrahamson
Juliet, 57, is a retired music teacher and lives in Cambridge.
The story: Emily’s organ playing is revived after a gift from her nephew.
Judges say: A truly satisfying story.
1st prize
Hazel wins £1,500 and two VIP tickets to the glittering 2008 Costa Book Awards held at the InterContinental Hotel in London in January. To see the shortlisted books and find out more, visit costabookawards.com
Runners-up
The other nine finalists each receive a set of 20 books shortlisted for the Costa Book Awards 2008 and a £75 Costa Coffee card to spend at any branch.
