THE WRITERS COLLEGE
Short Story Competition
Proudly Supporting Emerging Writers
The annual Writers College Short Story Competition is held to acknowledge excellence in creative writing in the short story form.
The competition is open to any writer who is unpublished, or has been published fewer than four times.
Scroll down to see the prizes, theme, judges, rules and entry requirements.
THEME FOR 2024
It didn't have to be this way
THEME FOR 2024
IT DIDN'T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY
THE LONGLIST
What a pleasure to announce our longlisted entrants today. With over 1000 entries received, our five judges have worked extremely hard to curate our top 25. Congratulations to these talented writers who now advance to the final judging round with award-winning authors Alex Smith, Andrew Salomon and Lorraine Forrest-Turner.
Visit our website on 15 November to see the winners and the lists for Highest Honours, Honours, Honourable Mentions, and ‘More Stories We Loved,’ where we celebrate an additional 70 remarkable writers.
In no particular order, here are our top 20 stories:
‘Ngā kuku (The Mussels)’ – by Arden Darling
‘Norah’s Flood’ – by Glyn Matthews
‘I Am Real, and You Are Not’ – by Jissha Adithi Satheesh Kumar
‘Lost Light’ – by Archer Nolan
‘Seriously Sacred Sorrow’ – by Jonathan Mutie
‘Every Fork, a Question’ – written by Rosalie Matthews
‘The Song of Silent Love’ – by Ross Fleming
‘My Children, My Life’ – by Shaan Saggar
‘My Morning with a Mass Shooter in the Year 2055’ – by Terry Weed
‘Cundinup Road’ – by Vaughan Hoy
‘The Mariner’s Wife’ – by Tracey Bewick Morritt
‘Behind Our Curtains’ – by Akal Mohan
‘The Keeper of Knowledge’ – by Karla Harris
‘The Afternoon Bus’ – by Tim Cameron Long
‘Lego Baby’ – by David Missen
‘Khoisan Masala’ – by Verna Jacobs Douglas
‘My Name Is Grief’ – by Emily Taylor
‘The Hypotheticals’ – by Risima Mashila
‘The Legend of Steelee’ – by Holly Rowlatt
‘The Message’ – by Kauri Tukere
‘When We Were Good’ – by Audrey Mulamba
‘Scattered’ – by Neelam Bhojani
‘Before He Fell’ – by Saliha Imran
‘Frogspawn’ – by Leon Prescod
‘Flight’ – by Jonathan Smith
THE WINNERS
Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 Writers College Short Story Competition!
This year’s theme, ‘It didn’t have to be this way’, inspired remarkable and diverse stories from around the world.
The top five stories displayed an exceptional range of originality and emotional depth. They combined authentic character development with inventive plots that drew in their readers. From dark, unexpected endings to sharp, vivid character portrayals, these stories left lasting impressions.
FIRST PLACE:
‘The Hypotheticals ’ – by Risima Mashila
RUNNER-UP:
‘The Keeper of Knowledge’ – by Karla Harris
THIRD PLACE:
‘Lego Baby’ – by David Missen
In fourth place is ‘I Am Real, and You Are Not’, written by Jissha Adithi Satheesh Kumar
And in fifth place is ‘Every Fork, a Question’, written by Rosalie Matthews
Read the judges’ comments below, as well as the top three stories, the Highest Honours, Honours, Honourable Mention and ‘More Stories We Loved’ results lists. We look forward to seeing these writers rise up in the rankings in competitions to come.
A huge well done to everyone who entered this year. See you in 2025!
HIGHEST HONOURS
These stories stood out for their originality, depth, and emotional impact. They combined strong narrative structure, innovative plots, and complex character development, fully realising the theme.
In no particular order:
‘Ngā kuku (The Mussels)’ – by Arden Darling
‘Norah’s Flood’ – by Glyn Matthews
‘Lost Light’ – by Archer Nolan
‘Seriously Sacred Sorrow’ – by Jonathan Mutie
‘The Song of Silent Love’ – by Ross Fleming
‘My Children, My Life’ – by Shaan Saggar
‘My Morning with a Mass Shooter in the Year 2055’ – by Terry Weed
‘Cundinup Road’ – by Vaughan Hoy
‘The Mariner’s Wife’ – by Tracey Bewick Morritt
‘Behind Our Curtains’ – by Akal Mohan
‘The Afternoon Bus’ – by Tim Cameron Long
‘Khoisan Masala’ – by Verna Jacobs Douglas
‘My Name Is Grief’ – by Emily Taylor
‘The Legend of Steelee’ – by Holly Rowlatt
‘The Message’ – by Kauri Tukere
‘When We Were Good’ – by Audrey Mulamba
‘Scattered’ – by Neelam Bhojani
‘Before He Fell’ – by Saliha Imran
‘Frogspawn’ – by Leon Prescod
‘Flight’ – by Jonathan Smith
HONOURS
The following stories stood out for their clear prose, compelling characters, and a strong command of literary techniques.
In no particular order:
‘Mercy’ – by Roe-Anne Greeff
‘Once There Was a Country’ – by Ugwu Ukamaka
‘Oxidizing Halos’ – by Justina Guido
‘Help Us Help You’ – by Goh Yong Ming Calvin
‘Red Dirt’ – by Patsy Parfitt
‘Dear Kwasi’ – by Bright Aboagye
‘I Guess That’s Life’ – by Ani Munro
‘The Karyatid’ – by Zoe Ramasawmy
‘Rip Tide’ – by Prashanti Ramnanan
‘Dr Hannah’ – by Kate Hall
‘Hangman’ – by Simon J. Plant
‘I Run a Bath for Someone Else’ – by Annarosa Payne
‘Karo’ – by Marth Waim
‘Empty’ – by Afifa Kamal Chaudhry
‘July 4th’ – by Adam Graham
‘The Party’ – by Lucy Chambers
‘Day Twelve’ – by Adele Anderson
HONOURABLE MENTION
Stories in this category exhibited potential, showcasing promise in imagination, character dynamics, and thematic exploration.
In no particular order:
‘Waverley Road’ – by Jeanne Davies
‘Where the Red Dust Didn’t Settle’ – by Kelly Railton
‘My Boy’ – by Harrison Hildrow
‘The Contender’ – by Caroline McKenzie
‘Once the Guests Have Gone’ – by Andrew Taylor
‘Lilo Bill’ – by Maurice Baker
‘Home Life’ – by Sue Wright
‘The Three of Us’ – by Waverley Chao-Scott
‘Blue Skies Darken Overnight’ – by Heather Meterlerkamp
‘7 Minutes’ – by Anneliese Harris
‘Every Good Story Starts with a Tragedy’ – by Darla Rennie
‘The Wayfarer’s Epilogue’ – by Ella Green
‘Home’ – by Roopa De Choudhury
‘A Luton Winter’s Tale’ – by Susan Ruben
‘A Difficult Conversation’ – by Diana Ashman
‘Dumped’ – by Gabrielle McGuinness
‘Black Rose’ – by Maria Aires Raymundo
‘Bravado’ – by Martin Cairns
‘A Heavy Load’ – by Funani Mussa
‘Bitter Old Devils’ – by Kaylee Botha
‘Families of Fortune’ – by Thuloane Khalemethe
‘Mixed Signals’ – by Taryn Hochstrasser
‘A Birthday Surprise’ – by Katie Marshall
MORE STORIES WE LOVED
These stories resonated with the judges for unique perspectives, unusual settings, or unexpected emotional impact. While they may need further polishing, they captured the judges’ attention with undeniable charm.
In no particular order:
‘The Rain Hitting the Pavement’ – by Ethan Transue
‘Cold’ – by Deborah Lysaght
‘Departure Lounge’ – by Aneta Ciszek Kowalska
‘My Choice for a Chance’ – by Brenda Cox
‘Freedom’ – by Conor McCloskey
‘Castles and Crowns’ – by Nadia Cassim
‘I is for Infatuation’ – by Nicholas James
‘Connecting the Dots’ – by Noloyiso Lange
‘She’ – by Sirisha Gurjalla
‘Spin That Wheel’ – by Adam Miguel
‘Lucid Dreaming’ – by Jasmine Donaldson
‘Luna Dei’ – by Arya Ray
‘A Futile Mistake’ – by Ashley Jantjies
‘Swedish Couple’ – by Charlie Weishaar
‘The Orchid’ – by David Eyre
‘The Paths We’ll Take’ – by MJ Woods
‘Curtain Call’ – by Richard Chapman
‘Avenging for Kaduche’ – by Jos Mungai
‘A Final Love Letter’ – by Oliver Gordon
‘Winnie on the Daintree’ – by Claire Dalkin
‘To Be Seen’ – by Daria Lebedyeva
‘The Wish’ – by Olivia Harris
‘Before the First Call’ – by Stephanie Sass
‘Metamorphosis’ – by Waheeba Duramanoglu
‘A Petty Theft’ – by Maria Otto
‘A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words’ – by Murunwa Masipala
‘Cheetah’ – by Abdulsamad Jimoh
‘Eve’ – by Buola Nifemi
‘Fighting the Unknown’ – by Richmond Kofi Offei Anokye
‘Second Chances’ – by Sena Turkel
‘Frank’ – by Martin Jameson
‘I Will Find You’ – by Chris Krechowiecki-Shaw
‘Feathers from a Stranger’ – by Ian Lawrence
‘A Going Concern’ – by Kristen Basse
‘Flower Urchin’ – by Matt Georgeson
A huge thank you to our judges, Alex Smith, Lorraine Forrest-Turner, and Andrew Salomon, for their hard work, passion, and dedication to the art of writing. Thank you also to Karen Jeynes, Tania Hutley, Andrew Murton and Alex Smith for judging the initial batch of over 1,000 stories.
Our 2025 competition will open in February. Please check this page for more details then.
The judges’ ratings and comments for the top three stories
First Place
'The Hypotheticals'
by Risima Mashila
Judges’ comments
-
Being from the UK and knowing a pitiful amount about South Africa, I learned so much from reading this story. I love the original style and format, as well as the intelligent and humorous writing. I felt sometimes, however, that the writer had tried a little too hard to be clever. I did get a little lost in the middle of the story when she announces her forthcoming marriage, and I had to read the story again – which is what judges do but readers rarely do. Perhaps the structure could be tightened up a little. Lorraine Forrest-Turner
-
A dynamic narrator that is both highly self-aware and believable, in a fine story that combines dollops of humour and cynicism. A very good read. Andrew Salomon
-
Told with warmth, insight, and wit. Meticulous and clever use of language creates an off-beat romance with life, pets and a man from the Karoo. Memorable characterisation is created with vivid detailing – like the very particular mother who is introduced to the story in the process of vacuuming her curtains. Alex Smith
The Runner-up
'The Keeper of Knowledge'
by Karla Harris
Judges’ comments
-
It’s hard not to give 5 out of 5 for every aspect of this thoroughly engaging and beautifully written tale. I absolutely loved every word of it and was totally swept up in the story from start to finish. Being from the UK, I felt I was being educated, but not in the way that some authors preach at you. It was the protagonist who was talking to me so poetically and showing me the magnificent flowers, birds, skies and landscapes that the ungrateful tourists chose to ignore. By combining this knowledge with her wit and humour, we come to love the protagonist and share her despair. Even when I suspected what was going to happen, I wasn’t at all disappointed. I wanted the shallow customers to come to their gruesome end! If I could write half as well as this highly talented storyteller, I would be a happy woman. Lorraine Forrest-Turner
-
It is easy to identify and empathise with the main character, and her dread and hopeful enthusiasm are equally palpable. There is one issue with the story that affects the reading experience – a guided game drive in a closed vehicle does not quite ring true. Andrew Salomon
-
The last line is beautifully phrased and clever. The main character’s passion for the environment and knowledge of the creatures, small and great, in this landscape, is a highlight of this story. However, the character becomes increasingly arrogant and lacking empathy until she finally ends up as a sociopath/psychopath, or maybe just like those misanthropic gods above, Hades and Athena. Ultimately, I found it hard to connect with this character. Alex Smith
Third Place
'Lego Baby'
by David Missen
Judges’ comments
-
This is an original, clever story with some fabulous descriptions and a dark, unexpected ending. Being from the UK, I had to look up ‘bassinet’; it all made sense then. I like the way the story builds, revealing more of why Maddie is building a Lego baby and bassinet. Dean comes over as a very unpleasant man, which unfortunately makes the reader care less for Tessa. I know this is too often true in real life, but within the story, the reader feels she should have protected her daughter. I still have problems with the surreal ending when the rest of the story is vividly real. Perhaps more hints of darkness/evil earlier on would have made the ending more plausible. Lorraine Forrest-Turner
-
This story is an affecting depiction of the grim isolation that can follow loss and a convincing portrayal of how the mind can grasp the nonsensical in times of desperate suffering. Andrew Salomon
-
Fascinating, eerie, horrific, and actually, a brilliant concept. Although the execution of the final parts of the story (in terms of phrasing and transition) is not quite as slick as it could be, the story leaves the reader with an utterly unforgettable image. (The word ‘ruffling’ could be reconsidered – there must be a better option.) This could make an excellent short film. Alex Smith
Closing date:
Now Closed
Longlist Announced:
31 October 2024
Winners Announced:
15 November 2024
PRIZES FOR 2024 (Will be converted to Rands)
SECOND PRIZE
NZ$ 500
And publication in an anthology of winning stories
FIRST PRIZE
NZ$ 1 000
And publication in an anthology of winning stories
THIRD PRIZE
NZ$ 250
And publication in an anthology of winning stories
FIRST PRIZE
NZ$ 1 000
And publication in an anthology of winning stories
SECOND PRIZE
NZ$ 500
And publication in an anthology of winning stories
THIRD PRIZE
NZ$ 250
And publication in an anthology of winning stories
The top three winners receive editorial comments on their submitted works.
The Basics of Creative Writing Course
COMPETITION RULES:
- We aim to support beginner writers only. We accept stories from writers who have never been published, or who have been published fewer than four times in any genre. This includes fiction and non-fiction, in any publication (for payment or otherwise). Journal articles (sciences of any kind) count as being published. Journalists, copywriters, web writers or content writers must please not enter. People who made a living from writing at any point (e.g. decades earlier) are also not eligible for entry. We make an exception for unpaid articles for community or work newsletters or blogs where the circulation is under 5000 readers.
- We accept stories in any genre (literary/horror/sci-fi/fantasy/spec fic). However, literary fiction tends to fare best with our judges. Please read past winning entries (scroll down this page) to get a sense of the kind of writing that we like.
- All submissions and enquiries can be sent to Nichola Meyer: Nichola@nzwriterscollege.co.nz
- The competition is open to anyone, from any country aged 16 and over.
- Entrants must submit a story of maximum word count: 2000 words. Any entries exceeding the word count by 50 words will not be considered.
- The 2024 theme is ‘It didn’t have to be this way’. Writers can interpret and represent the theme in any way they choose. Each story must include the phrase ‘It didn’t have to be this way’ somewhere in the story. Writers must produce their own title.
- Only one story per entrant is allowed.
- We only accept entries written in English.
- The competition closes at midnight on 30 September 2024. The longlist will be published by 31 October 2024, and the winners announced and displayed on our website on 15 November 2024.
- Prizewinners will be notified via email as well as on our website; please ensure you supply a valid email address with your entry.
- Prize money will be paid via electronic transfer or PayPal.
- Stories must not have been previously published. Entrants must own the copyright to the story submitted.
- Writers retain copyright, but give permission for their work to be published on our website and in an anthology.
- The judges’ decision is final; no disputes will be entered into.
- If your entry has not been acknowledged within three working days, please contact us as your email may have got lost in transit.
- The Writers College reserves the right to extend the competition deadline or cancel the competition should the entries not be of publishable quality or up to the required standard.
- Absolutely no generative AI to be used (ChatGPT etc.). If we deem stories were not written by a human they will be excluded, and the author banned from entering all further competitions with us.
ENTRY FORMAT:
- Only e-mail submissions are acceptable. Stories must be copied and pasted into the body of the email, AND sent as a Word document attachment. Mark your entry clearly with the subject line: The 2024 Writers College Short Story Competition.
- Each story must have a unique title. Do not use the theme as your title.
- Your email must state the title of your story, as well as your name. E.g. ‘Once Upon a Time’ – by John Smith
- Your email must include the declaration: ‘I declare that this is my own work, 100% unassisted by generative AI (such as ChatGPT etc.), and I have been published in a mainstream print or online publication fewer than four times.’
- Winners will be asked to show a valid proof of identity.
- State your word count in your email.
- Do not include your name on any page of your story. All entries will be judged blind.
- Use a font such as Arial or Times New Roman, size 12 or more. Use 1.5 or double spacing between lines. We prefer a clear line between paragraphs rather than indenting.
- If there is a formatting issue that you don’t see among these rules, it means that we don’t mind how you do it. Our focus is on the story; presentation is secondary.
- Make sure your story has been edited and polished according to tips and guidelines provided on our college site under “Writing Resources”, or on our webzine. Read these:
THE JUDGES:
Fiona Ingram
Fiona Ingram [BA Hons (Natal), MA (Wits)] is a multi-award winning author of adult and children’s fiction. She has written eight historical romances (published by USA publisher Bublish), including Married at Midnight, The Wayward Miss Wainwright and Lord Blackwood’s Valentine Ball.
Her interest in myths and legends, ancient history and travel led to her writing the multi-award winning The Secret of the Sacred Scarab. This is the first instalment of her children’s adventure series, Chronicles of the Stone. Fiona has now completed Book Four in the series. Through her novels, she takes youngsters all over the world on amazing adventures.
She is also an animal rights advocate and writes animal rescue stories.
Alex Smith
Alex Smith is the award-winning author of five novels: Algeria’s Way, Drinking from the Dragon’s Well, Four Drunk Beauties, Devilskein & Dearlove (published by Random House/Umuzi) and Agency Blue (published by Tafelberg).
Her work has received widespread acclaim. Drinking from the Dragon’s Well was longlisted for the Sunday Times Alan Paton Award and Devilskein & Dearlove was nominated for the 2015 CILIP Carnegie Medal in the UK. Agency Blue won a Sanlam Youth Literature Award, while Four Drunk Beauties won the Nielsen Booksellers’ Choice Award.
Lorraine Forrest-Turner
Lorraine Forrest-Turner has been writing professionally for over 30 years. As well as writing PR and marketing content for business, she also writes short stories and stage plays.
Two of her plays (Seven Stages of an Affair and To Have and to Hold) are published by Samuel French and three (Dear Lily, Bank Holiday Mondays and Other Ways to Kill a Marriage and Three’s Company) are published by Lazy Bee Scripts.
Many of her short stories have been published in fiction and women’s magazines. These include Planting Primroses in Potholes in Yours Fiction, Getting on with Freya in Take a Moment, and First Dance in Royal Marsden Hospital Magazine.
Her stage plays have won numerous awards and have been performed throughout the UK. These include Sparks at the Cockpit Theatre, London, Isosceles at the ABC Theatre in Cambridge, and Spin at the Kenton Theatre in Henley.
Lorraine has recently rewritten her stage play To Have and to Hold as a film script. It is currently in production. Her book of short stories 13:22 and other stories is published on Amazon.
Karen Jeynes
Karen has won numerous awards and nominations for her co-writing of TV series, including two Emmy nominations for Best TV Comedy. Currently, she is the head writer for Both Worlds Productions, overseeing ZANews: Puppet Nation (winner of 22 South African Film and Television Awards and two Writer’s Guild of South Africa Awards for Best TV Comedy), as well as Point of Order (SAFTA winner for Best Game Show in 2017), Comedy Central News and Parlement Parlement.
Andrew Salomon
Andrew Salomon is an award-winning author. His debut novel Tokoloshe Song was shortlisted for the Terry Pratchett First Novel Award.
Additionally, his short fiction has been shortlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize. He has also received the PEN Literary Award for African Fiction and the Short.Sharp.Stories Award.
Andrew is the author of the young adult thrillers The Chrysalis and Wonderbear. His latest novel is the dark fantasy thriller The Equilibrist. He completed an MA at the Institute for Archaeology at University College London. Some of his most memorable experiences have been at rock painting and engraving sites in subterranean caves and shelters across the world. These often find their way into his fiction.
Download our Free Anthologies
Click on a cover to download our free anthologies that showcase the winning stories from past competitions in South Africa and New Zealand (+/- 1MB). Since 2023, the competition has opened to international entries.
The Write a Novel Course
Past Winners of the SA Writers College Short Story Competition
We would like to acknowledge the past winners of our Short Story Competitions.
2024
First Place: ‘The Hypotheticals’ – by Risima Mashila
Runner-up: ‘The Keeper of Knowledge’ – by Karla Harris
Third place: ‘Lego Baby’ – by David Missen
2023
First Place: ‘Return to Court’ – by Taki Scordis
Runner-up: ‘’The People of Colour’ – by Ross Fleming
Third place: ‘The Time Love Was Good to Me, or: How I Came to Grow Apples’– by Travis Inglis
2022
First Place: ‘People Like Us’ – by Matshediso Radebe
Runner-up: ‘‘Rubicon’ – by Jengo Ata
Third place: ‘The Jab’– by Werner Labuschagne
2021
First Place: ‘We Ate His Bowels First’ by Gabisile Shabangu
Runner-up: ‘A Crumpled R10 Note and a Bloody Hand’ by Vuyiswa Kubalasa
Third place: ‘Wild Peonies & Pink Flamingoes’ by Kea Isaacs
2020
First Place: ‘The Moot Mulatto’ by Taki Scordis
Runner-up: ‘Misstep’ by Stephen Harrison
Third place: ‘Unfinished Business’ by Jessica Spyker
2019
First Place: ‘Tulbagh By Gaslight’ by S.F. Ratcliffe
Runner-up: ‘Sit Down; You’re Brown’ by Javi Reddy
Third place: ‘Record Cards’ by Merle Grace
2018
First Place: ‘There’s an App for That’ by Simon F. Ratcliffe
Runner-up: ‘Hero’s Brush With Mutiny’ by Amelia Warren
Third place: ‘Mother Knows’ by Hendri Rhodes
2017
First Place: ‘Frankie’ by Heinrich van der Walt
Runner-up: ‘The Teen Factor’ by Janice Gardiner-Atkinson
Third place: ‘King of the Road’ by Carina Maré
2016
First Place: ‘My Mother Takes One Look at Me and Gives Me Away’ by Bruce McKenzie
Runner-up: ‘And the Meek’ by Matthew Child
Third place: ‘The High Road Less Travelled’ by Les Hellmann
2015
First Place: ‘An Anniversary, Shaded’ by Duncan Aird
Runner-up: ‘Rembrandt’ by Ian Sutherland
Third place: ‘The Exchange’ by Natanja Greeff
2014
First Place (Literary Fiction): ‘That Night’ by Melita Vurden
First Place (Popular Fiction): ‘The First Time’ by Mike Forde
Runner-up (Literary Fiction): ‘Death and Sandwiches’ by Gina Kukard
Runner-up (Popular Fiction): ‘On the Way Home’ by Natisha Parsons
2013
First Place: ‘Food for Thought’ by Carla Lever
Runner-up: ‘Wholesale’ by Liam Kruger
Third place: ‘Sleeping Dogs’ by Eleanor Talbot
2012
First Place: ‘Go’ by Aname van Zyl
Runner-up: ‘Tune in Again Next Week’ by Carla Lever
Third place: ‘A Gambling Man’ by B. L. Calder
2011
First Place: ‘The Tokoloshe’ by Hannah Green
Runner-up: ‘Watching Sunsets we Never See’ by Shelley Blignaut
Joint Third place: ‘Final Disposition’ by Jessica Liebenberg
2010
First Place: ‘Line of Sight’ by Arthur Bacchus
Runner-up: ‘Board and Lodging’ by William Oosthuizen
Third place: ‘The Colours of Choice’ by Ann Kern
2009
First Place: ‘Martin Mandel’s Parabola’ by Ashley Symes
Runner-up: ‘Pieces of Peony-Painted Teacups’ by Shelley Blignaut
Third place: ‘A New Life’ by Grant Griffiths
2008
First Place: ‘Waitin’ For Fuzzy’ by Ross Ian Fleming
Runner-up: ‘Writer’s Block’ by Widaad Munga
Third place: ‘The Yellow Coat’ by Katja Abbott