The lovely people at Norwich Writers’ Circle announced the winners of their Olga Sinclair ‘mustard’ themed short story competition on the 20th October at the Anteros Centre in the city of Norwich.
There was wine, food and, best of all, readings of the three winning entries. These tremendous stories and the names of their writers should be on the NWC website soon – https://norwichwriters.wordpress.com – so please make sure you catch them when they hit the web. Rare African snails. A Japanese Cluedo fanatic. A yellow-painted nursery tinted with tragedy. But I mustn’t jump the gun and reveal too much, too soon.
It was a pleasure to be with NWC on the night and although I wasn’t one of the winners I did return home with a certificate for being one of the final ten on the shortlist – together with a handy book bag containing those well-known writers’ essentials: a pen, a poetry book, and a heavy slab of chocolate.
A beautiful city, a vibrant writing community, and advance news that there should be another of their open competitions in 2016. The theme (whisper it) will probably be shoes…
ninevoices 
Sounds like a wonderful evening, Maggie, and well done you for being shortlisted.
We’re proud of you for being shortlisted, M – go, girl! Hope there was plenty of wine, and a really SERIOUS slab of chocolate.
Did the winning stories get read out by the authors themselves, or by someone else?
[Christine]
The really serious slab of chocolate is no more. I ate rather too much of it, and made the rest into a chocolate blancmange for my chauffeur…
Two stories were read out by the authors – but the first prize was won by a lady in a far-flung part of Scotland, who could not be there. I’m sure, however, that she celebrated at home with wine and chocolate.
As Chairman of Norwich Writers’ Circle I am delighted that you were impressed enough to post this blog. We were more than happy to welcome you as one of the top 10 entrants out of 155 – so fair play, you did so, so well. Best of luck with future competitions and keep a look out for the Olga Sinclair Short Prose Competition 2016. Congratulations again Maggie…..
Hi, Phyllida – thank you so much for your comments. I enjoyed the evening hugely and spoke to many fascinating people. When I get my private helicopter, I’ll be whirling up to join your meetings.
We actually featured your competition in our blog previously, on the 5th May – why wouldn’t we, it was a great one – and will certainly promote the new one nearer the time. Struggling writers need to stick together.
I learned a lot that night about what makes a good short story tick so – thank you again, Norwich Writers!
Maggie
(Incidentally, your webmaster kindly offered to link us to your website, though I don’t think he’s managed to get round to it yet. Maybe we could do it from our end?)
Phyllida – have just listened to your crime play on the Norwich website. Brilliant. Congratulations!
…though I’m glad I don’t live next door to you. I like my own music quite loud.
Maggie