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Field of Words is a website dedicated to helping emerging writers grow. We now run international writing competitions in the categories of short fiction and flash fiction twice a year. There are no restrictions in terms of genre or theme, but all entries must be written in English. Each category offers cash prizes (aud). Visit our writing competitions page for details. We publish chosen entries, and offer critiquing and editing services. On this site you will find the Field of Words blog, where we post detailed information about a wide range of creative writing techniques and approaches.
Announcing our winners and runners-up for Round One of our 2016 competition…
Congratulations to our short story winner, Ray Falco, for his piece Shaping Days .
Well done to our short story runner-up, Emily Katherine Stoikovich, for The Desert.
Our winner of the flash fiction category is Fiona Skepper for Happy Hours – congratulations!
The flash fiction runner-up is Jane Ireland for A Most Literal Girl.
We thoroughly enjoyed these works and are proud to share them on our site. We share more of our thoughts on these stories below:
Our winner for the short story category, Ray Falco, has crafted a compelling piece that lingers with readers long after they’ve finished it. The linear plot in Shaping Days disguises deeper, more visceral emotions that are gradually revealed as the narrative progresses. His use of setting, which captures the bleakness and simmering threat of men waiting for work, is outstanding. The dialogue is near perfect throughout and effectively drives the story towards its climactic peak of tension. The final lines echo theme and meaning with superb simplicity. We loved it!
Our runner-up for the short story category, Emily Katherine Stoikovich, invites readers to fall into the vivid fictional world portrayed in The Desert. Characterisation is effectively ‘shown’ through the expert use of dialogue, action, and description. The setting works as a powerful metaphor to underscore the protagonist’s emotional desolation. This exceptionally well-written piece is one that many readers will be able to relate to.
Our winner for the flash fiction category, Fiona Skepper, has written a deliciously dark piece of apocalyptic fiction that will capture the imagination of readers. It’s surreal, dream-like prose effectively depicts the disintegration of the main character’s psyche, along with the world around her. Happy Hours exhibits powerful, yet economical expression that lures readers towards its intriguing resolution.
Our runner-up for the flash fiction category, Jane Ireland, has produced a quirky story that demonstrates clever manipulation of language. Her deceptively innocent female protagonist will surprise readers with her devilish ways. A Most Literal Girl is a highly entertaining read.
I am a retired newcomer to writing, as others above have mentioned. Thankyou for all your helpful information. It is difficult to know the next step. I have joined our local FAW and also have found a mentor, she is published and fantastic help. I have assumed a pseudonym. Thankyou thankyou.
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Well, a few people have said i have a way with words. I am a little young, to be writing. But that should not matter. I have always love to write stories of adventure,mystery,fiction, and about love.
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You’re right, Lydi – age shouldn’t matter. Keep writing!
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Hello Katrina. I have found that agents in Australia difficult to access. So I reverted to submitting my work to publishers via the links below. They are worth looking at.
http://www.allenandunwin.com/default.aspx?page=462
http://www.penguin.com.au/getting-published
There are other similar sites, but that is a start. I hope this is of some assistance to you.
My writing may not be the best because I have not yet been successful in receiving a reply. Still I feel my story is a good one, so after many revisions, I have published it as an on-line book on the Amazon Kindle site. It is easy to do, and at least my book is now available to the public.
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Fabulous, what a webpage it is! This blog gives useful facts to us, keep it up.
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Thanks, Maxine – glad you’re enjoying browsing through it.
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Join a writing community, where you will find answers to these and so many more questions. I recommend the Fellowship of Australian Writers (FAW) Your state Writer’s Centre, ASA which has a list of reputable agents and if you specialised in children’s writing SCBWI Creative Kids Tales, Buzz Words, Kids Book Review and CYA. Author blogs and the Australian Writer’s Marketplace are also great sources of advice.
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Hi my name is Katrina Dawson and I am an aspiring fiction writer. my background is in high school English teaching and I am now focussing full time on my writing. I have no idea where to go for help with editing and publishing . I was offered a publishing contract a few years ago for my book “white lies ” but later discovered the company was run by a CEO being investigated for fraud. Since then I put it on the back burner and just recently began a new novel . I turn the big 4o this year and want to finally put my all into this. Any help or useful advice would be welcome . Anyone know of a good literary agent ?
Thanks trina
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Hi Katrina, I encourage you to pursue writing – it’s good for the soul. I don’t really know of a good lit agent, although you’d undoubtedly find one in the Australian Writers’ Market Place (book). However, both Maria and I are competent editors, and we could help you out in this area. See our critiquing and editing page for more info. Also, there are many short story competitions out there – including ours – and entering these can be a great way to break into the publishing world. Good luck, Eileen.
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