When we asked Guest Judge Susanna Kwan what she was looking for in a winning entry, she said: "I'm looking for a story that surprises me and makes me pay closer attention to this world by showing me another one. And language that feels alive!"
Now, she's found what she was looking for...the winners of our Fantasy Competition for teenage writers are here, and their strange characters and mythical worlds are just as magical as their prose. Join us in celebrating their work by reading their pieces as well as the judge's commentary on her selections! (Coming soon: Q&A with the winners!)
“Driftwood” by Storygirl (Canada)
“Driftwood” is a moving story that allows the narrator—and reader—to imaginatively enter and explore another person’s world. We are present with the narrator’s father in his reality, which is a strange, wondrous, and frightening land of disappearing memory and language. From the striking image of a blue oceanic armchair that opens the story to the echoing image of a stone throne at the end, I was transported to a place where family, consciousness, and landscape overlap in surprising ways. A beautiful exploration of the power of imagination and presence in moments of grief and inevitable change.
“letters from a traitor” by andromedas (United States - New York)
This story gives us one side of an epistolary conversation between twins: Frances, who has fled her home in a hurry, and Andy, who has been left behind. I was right there with Andy as he moved through feelings of abandonment, resentment, boredom, injustice, forgiveness, loneliness, pride, desperation, and conviction. With each new letter, I was increasingly fascinated by the familial relationships, the dangerous world of war and witchcraft, the turning seasons, and Andy coming into his power. The final two letters escalated in surprising ways that delighted me as a reader. A compelling voice and an inspired use of form!
“The Gleaming Patisserie” reviewed by Aiselise (Ireland)
This peer review demonstrates thoughtful consideration of the story's tone and characters, and offers specific and relevant suggestions for revision that the writer might want to explore. One of the most insightful observations a reader can offer to a writer is to show where the story raises questions for them, and this reviewer has done just that—with curiosity and encouragement. A wonderful example of how feedback from an open and generous reader can reflect a story back to its writer and help the writer refine their work.
“Classic #5” by Elle Prince (United States - California)
“Fate” by Stellz:) (United States - Florida)
“Split Open” by Joy Wu (American Samoa)
“Magpie” by luckystars (United States - Colorado)
“Tatay” by Sun-Jae._ (India)
“Meeting in the Tram” by Aelith (Latvia)
“Fifteen Years Ago” by boba_mariposa (United States - Illinois)
“Memories of the Future” reviewed by Sun-Jae._ (India)