Thanks again to all who entered the white-themed flash comp and congrats to all the writers who made the long and shortlists, which you can see here. It’s been a tough decision this time as all of the shortlisted stories had so much going for them.

Winner: Aut Dormi, Aut Lacte by Christina Dalcher

Beautiful imagery and such a great sense of melancholy running through it. I loved how what the archaeologist was uncovering wasn’t just revealing the past but her own life too; and how the volcano is tied into it all. Really great writing.

Runner-Up: The Black of the Words, and the White by Jason Jackson

Loved how the sight of the blank plaster cast covering her husband  inspired a wife to reflect on a marriage and revealed that bones were not the only things that were broken. I’m also unsure of her role in ‘the accident’ and I like how I’m left with questions in my mind.

Runner-Up: This Time See White by Mary Thompson

Perfectly captures the confusion of a dying mind and the regrets of a dying man who wishes he had done things differently. Love how the memories all seem so much a part of his current day.