short story in 25 words and name the main charatcer
Answers
We received more than 1000 entries. With only 25 words to work with, we marvelled at your creativity! Congratulations to all those who entered a story (or more than one).
Considering the two mandatory words, it may be unsurprising to learn that we received a large number of:
violinists on stage (hoping for victory!)
parents wishing for their child to master their violins
characters being played like violins (while their opponent claimed victory)
victory marches to the music of a violin.
Stories that tried something different often stood out – and you may see that reflected in many of the entries below.
We judged the stories “blind” – there were no names attached to them. Short Story Essentials course creator Cathie Tasker then selected the winner from these. (And because it was blind judging, you may notice that a few people got more than one of their stories in this showcase – well done to them!) As always, it’s a subjective process and your views may differ from ours.
Remember, writing a 25-word story is a very different proposition to writing a 2500-word one. Which is why we know that everyone – even the winner – will learn plenty from our Short Story Essentials course.
Thanks again to all those who entered! Enjoy reading this selection…
WINNING STORY – Geoff Croucher (VIC)
Sweating tears of triumph the Nullarbor Busker conquers Bach’s Chaconne.
His victory unseen, unheard.
Still no coins in his violin case.
Nevertheless he bows.
Feedback from Cathie Tasker (creator of Short Story Essentials):
I was attracted to the active language, and yet the piece was very evocative. I was transported to the moment on the Nullarbor, and shared the character’s poignant pride in the face of adversity. I had the impression that his spirit had soared, but this euphoric moment went unnoticed by his audience … or … did he have an audience at all? A tragic twist.
OUR TOP 50 (in no particular order)
Embarrassed by his violin-high voice, he took extra victory laps to avoid speaking on camera. The steroids worked, but they came at a price.
– Anna McEvoy
Long, slender neck, feminine curves. Victory, she’s mine at last! On pulsing, rhythmic strokes we rise. Higher, faster … Crescendo! My latest love, a violin.
– Carmel Hill