The winners of our Sci-Fi & Fantasy Competition are HERE! "I had so much fun reading these! Such astounding talent, such range, such risks!" said Guest Judge Ryan La Sala. "A truly impressive selection here, and it was almost impossible to decide on winners. And yet! The pieces that won were, to me, undeniably fantastic."
Check out his glowing reviews of the winning pieces below!
WINNER:
“Coffee For Two,” by Anna ❤️ (Australia), age 15
This was superb. Truly! I had to re-read it a few times to make sure I was tracking the exchanges correctly, but you've achieved a tone in this story that is beautiful, heartbreaking, eerie, and intriguing all at once. Short stories are notoriously difficult to write because they don't allow for meandering, and you made so much use of every word. The ending expertly demonstrates your character’s transformation, referencing the first line. I got chills! This story was mesmerizing, effective, and rich with meaning. Bravo!
RUNNER-UP:
“The Ribbonless Girl” by Storygirl (Canada), age 14
I'm fascinated with this story. In only a few short pages, you've deployed quite a bit of world building and character development. This story is a shining example of how world and character can often lean against one another — and weave into one another — to efficiently and effectively create intrigue and tension. I find the ribbon system here fascinating, and found myself wanting to read a whole book about the girl, her society, her plight, and her fate. Your confident writing helped give your concept a sense of reality that can be very hard to balance in such a short span of words. Great work all around :)
BEST PEER REVIEW:
“Pholla T895,” reviewed by Aaranya (India), age 14
This feedback was wonderful! You gave the writer so much to work with, both through specific compliments and precise points of improvement. In reading your notes, I felt like you had really taken the time to understand not only the story, but the author and their motive, and your feedback was clearly written in the spirit of helping the author deliver on their vision. That takes a good deal of editorial maturity and skill, and I could see someone like you doing wonderful things for many writers and their work! Lastly, I want to let you know that as a professional writer I cherish the tone you've achieved here, which is constructive but not patronizing, and positive without creating skepticism. Gentle, yet clear, and therefore utterly useful. Great work!
PIECE FINALISTS:
“Before Our Stories Are Told,” by boba_mariposa (United States)
This story has such an emotional punch to it that I had to leave a comment applauding you. Also, I appreciate the mix of conceptual absurdity alongside deep, emotional consequences. Such a combination can sometimes be unwieldy, but you confidently guided the reader through your concept and made sure we felt like we were right alongside Icarus as they made their choice. I loved it!
“Changeling,” by ipsibean13 (United States)
This was beautiful, and the ending was a lovely and interesting surprise. I absolutely would love to know more about Lo and Rian as they grow up, but I agree with your choice to tell the short-yet-significant story of how they became siblings. I also appreciate the fresh take on a well-known bit of lore. Lastly, I want to commend you on your attention to details that are both interesting yet essential, which give this story a lovely pace.
“Suan,” by Epiphany (United States)
This story is a splendid example of designing characters that are both interesting in their own way, yet also act as prisms in which we get to see the world you’ve made up. Such a choice demonstrates, to me, a very intelligent sense of taste! I wanted to know more about this world but you gave us just enough in these pages to keep the pacing perfect. Bravo!
“The Month My Uterus Quit Her Job,” by Sham (India)
Wonderful work! The light tone and irreverent style of this piece were a perfect match to the premise, and I found myself laughing several times at the dry humor. It's hard to be funny in writing, but you achieved it. I had fun reading, and my only wish was that this was a little longer.
“The Requiem of Vague and Distant Memories,” by Thomas Olney (United States)
This piece was very intriguing, and I found myself reading through it a few times out of pure enjoyment at the restraint. I appreciate that there's plenty of detail, yet the experience of witnessing this conversation feels familiar, and sparse, and circular, like many conversations between old friends tend to be. Also, there is great atmosphere achieved here in the way the world is rendered for the reader as strange and oddly neat, and how the singular detail of disarray--the cracks--goes ignored by half the cast. I loved that, but I'll admit, I still am not quite sure what to make of it. But, for me and many readers, that's what makes a story like this so fun. :)
“Where the Wizard Walked,” by Will Antykov :3 (United Arab Emirates)
I really enjoyed reading this! You have a very clear talent for interesting descriptions ("patchwork caterpillar" for example), and a very confident sense of style. Your ear for dialogue is excellent, too! Great work.
Peer Review Finalists:
“Her Name, a Sugarburnt Sin,” reviewed by Lost Sailor (Canada)
“Deviant: Ashe,” reviewed by Baohu (United States)
