What an outstanding year for the Miniature* Very Short Story Competition. With over 100 entries this year on the theme of “Amplified”. The standard of writing was high, and there were so many amazing stories from a diverse range of writers.
We are very happy with our choices this year.
First prize of $500 goes to:
“The Tell-Tale Present” by Roxane Llanque
When my roommate came home – gorgeous with joy, her medical exam conquered – I had my present ready: her first stethoscope. She laughed, immediately trying it on me. And when my amplified and treacherous heartbeat reached her ears, she smiled wondrously. “Deirdre… do you…?” I answered with a kiss.
Five Highly Commended prizes of $50 (presented in no particular order) go to:
“Check, One, Two” by Jonathan Llewellyn
“Check, one, two, three”
Nothing. Doug scanned the sound-desk.
“Again?”
“Check, one…”
Still nothing. Doug scrambled, Jay stared, repeating the spiel.
“One, two, three. Will you marry me?”
The system sprung to life and the words of Jay’s undisclosed crush amplified around the stadium.
“Ummm…”. Doug paused smiling at Jay.
“Trains” by Richard Calver
I love the rhythm of trains. Just in time, just in time, just in time, the wheels say. I received a call on the train. My wife told me she was leaving me for her best friend Joan. I looked at Fred opposite. Just in time, I thought.
“Disregarded Love” by Joseph Andary
I clutched his hand in the hospital bed. The quiet beeps amplified in my mind, counting down the time remaining. His family let me say goodbye, but they still want to pretend. Even now, in this heightened reality, I don’t exist to them. I’m not ready for goodbye.
“Voice” by Tanner Strickland
Tennessee Senate Bill 3: It’s an offense to put on my wig, do my makeup, and step on stage. I fly from Nashville to LA to Sydney. I ask the city of rainbows, “Do I still have a voice?” Sydney roars in reply, “We will make them hear you.”
“Wings” by Scott-Patrick Mitchell
Mardi Gras. Oxford Street. Crowd so loud, like a thunderstorm made from flesh. Jake grins. He’s wearing white hotpants and angel wings, scars out for the world to see. In front of the bookstore, his parents, their pride amplified by a sign. WE LOVE OUR TRANS SON. Jake’s wings flutter.
As with all our competitions, judging is blind, so we don’t know who wrote the winning stories until we select them.
The OutStanding committee; Gail Hewison, Robert Tait, Nicole Baker-Bryson & Stafford Hamilton
LATEST NEWS
Get to know the Miniature* Very Short Story Competition 2023 winners here.
Get to know the Miniature* Very Short Story Competition 2022 winners here.
Get to know the OutStanding Short Story Competition 2022 winners here.
Get to know the OutStanding Short Story Competition 2021 winners here.
Get to know the OutStanding Short Story Competition 2020 winners here.
Get to know the OutStanding Short Story Competition 2019 winners here.
Read the Kindle edition of ‘Lightning Flash: OutStanding Queer Australian Writing 2019’ here.
Get to know the OutStanding Short Story Competition 2018 prize winners here.
Read the Kindle edition of ‘Next Big Thing: 2018 Winners’ here.
Read the Kindle edition of ‘It’s Complicated: 2017 Winners’ here.
Listen to the OutStanding Short Story Competition podcast here.
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would also like to acknowledge the struggles of LGBTI First Peoples and thank them for their part in the broader struggle for full human rights. Always was, always will be Aboriginal land. We also acknowledge the contribution of Maori people in the ongoing prosperity of Aotearoa (New Zealand).