Congratulations again to the writers of our 10 shortlisted stories. We have had a wild ride in the People’s Prize voting this month with several stories moving in and out of the top spot in the early part of the week. Then a couple of stories started edging out in front and then those two constantly swapped places for the winning spot. The winner won by just 2 votes in the end!
Our judging team has gone against the grain this month and for the first time in ages, we haven’t picked the same story as the voters. But we really enjoyed them all and it’s always a tough decision to make.
Anyway, here are the results!
First Prize Winner: The Anatomist’s Bride by Anne Soilleux
Why we chose it: Fantastic dark and creepy take on the theme that uses all the senses and has a great narrative voice. That final line is so ominous and gave us all the shivers.
Second Prize Winner: Treading on Memory in the Bottles’ Graveyard by Brid McGinley
Why we chose it: Love how evocative it is and how well it captures the way memories work in such beautiful language that transported us to this beach.
People’s Prize Winner: Grandpa’s Legacy by Kathryn Clark
Shortlisted Stories
Bottled Up by Donna L. Greenwood – Read it here
Formula by Susan Wigmore – Read it here
Grace by Stephen Gallagher – Read it here
Manningtree, Essex 1645 by Clare Marsh – Read it here
One Bluebottle on a Windowsill by Rachel Canwell – Read it here
Open Day At The Bottle Factory – David Shows His Daughter The Place Where He Is God by Alison Wassell – Read it here
Returning to Aleppo by Taria Karillion – Read it here
Anne and Brid win the cash prizes and Kathryn wins a year’s membership to our online community!
Well done to everyone!
We’ll be back with the next Monthly Micro prompt on 7th Feb.