Writing a novel is no easy feat, and writing a novel excerpt can be just as challenging—in just 1,000 words, we asked you to give us compelling characters, scenes with tension and movement, enough backstory and summary to give the reader context, all while leaving us wanting more. And your entries delivered!
Discover Guest Judge Laura Wood’s winning picks and commentary below, along with the finalists and highly commended pieces.
WINNERS:
Winner: Daughter of Kali by howdidigethere (United Arab Emirates)
I loved this piece, which was beautifully paced and fluidly written with an intriguing set up. I really felt Roshni’s emotions as the story unfolded, and I thought you did a wonderful job of communicating her longing for a bigger life in such a small amount of space—the description of her room and the small objects that carried so much meaning for her was masterful. Even within this short extract I already felt a connection to the character, and I cared deeply about what was going to happen to her. A gorgeous piece of writing that left me wanting more.
Runner Up: The Ghost Prince by amaalkfawzi (Lebanon)
I thought this piece was wonderful. The world building was first class, and you introduced a lot of information with a very light touch—no easy job! I especially enjoyed your descriptions which I thought were original and vivid. I really felt that I was standing there at the fountain with the characters. A fully imagined and richly realized piece of work … I couldn’t wait to find out more about Weylyn and the secrets he is keeping.
Best Peer Review: veytuli’s (US) review of Wounded Bird
This reviewer did such a great job of balancing praise and helpful critique. I thought their editorial questions were extremely helpful in their specificity—just the kind of questions I want my editor asking me! The points made were very insightful, really focused on enriching the original text, and the tone was gentle, respectful and clear thinking.
NOVEL WRITING FINALISTS:
Last Looks by lavenderbluestories (Canada)
The Terms and Conditions of Being a Ghost by wishtree (US)
Psyche & I by Sydney H. (Switzerland)
PEER REVIEW FINALISTS:
maddiecxrry’s (United Kingdom) review of Legend of Six
Cloudsky331’s (United States) review of Aer
ava_grace’s (United States) review of The Water Village - Chapter One
NOVEL WRITING HIGHLY COMMENDED:
the forgotten railroad by thebookishfey (Canada)
The Perfect Way to Die by Ezimadu (Nigeria)
Zelda by Caelania (Australia)
Fidelium by Elizabeth Williams (United States)
Miss Madison Mondragon by Tabatha (United States)
What the Morning Brings by efflorescence (United States)
the thing about jules by mikagee (Australia)
Child of the Sky by Parzi (United States)
