We are delighted that so many writers took a stab at creating stories in the style of microfictionist extraordinaire Joseph Young! Although many of the entries have elements that are similar to Joseph Young’s style, we discovered that none of them was a dead ringer. Even in those entries that came closest, there are words or or images or turns of phrase that are not quite Joseph Young-ish. Further proof, perhaps, that no one can write like Joe Young! (Writing micros for this contest, I now realize, was hard—and I admire everyone who had the guts to step up to the plate.) Still, there were three micros that came closer than the others. Thanks so much to all the entrants. We hope 2010 brings you success in your quest to write excellent microfiction in the style that suits you best: your own.Congratulations go to the winners, who are (in no order):
Ben WhiteEllen judged the contest blindly. That is to say, she could see to read the stories, but she was not told who wrote them. She didn't even know who entered. So it was fair.
Jessica Rigney
Andrew Borgstrom
Below are the winning stories. Each winner receives a copy of Joseph Young's book, which was just released officially on December 15. Why not order a copy and see what's what?
But first a very sincere thanks to Ellen Parker for her very smart read and serious attention.
And now for the winning entries:
Ben WhiteHere are 12 Micros from the horse's mouth, published in FRiGG.
Tuesday
He sat in his chair and slurped instant noodles. As before, he reads page after page. In the bedroom his wife waits, then sleeps. He rubs his eyes, clicks to the next page.
Jessica Rigney
Florid
After the locusts came to devour their crops and the ducks lay down to rest on the remains, there he sat on the crushed wheat, white shirt against a turquoise sky. Golden light rose. His face was more calm, more accepting than any she'd ever seen. She walked. She wept.
Andrew Borgstrom
Restraint
We walked the floor we wanted. There was no lake we knew of, and a blank application sitting on an oak table. We were handcuffed when she said not today and mouthed something that smelled like jasmine.
