From left to right: Lou Harvey, Mandy Sutter, Bob Hamilton, Gemma Irving Lees, Jason

Discussing the evening in the pub afterwards, no one could remember such a well-attended adjudication evening. We had to double-stack the circle in one corner to fit everyone in. The count came in at about 33 or 34 members. It was obvious from her feedback how impressed Mandy was with the entries and how much she enjoyed the whole process. We were well entertained and her advice was useful for everyone in attendance. In terms of an extract she ideally wanted the opening to a novel, or alternatively a chapter. Mandy reiterated the brief and said that she was looking specifically for those elements that will interest a reader and make them want to read on, since in a long narrative piece, this is the ‘first base’ we all need to achieve. She was looking for things like a portrayal of an interesting/unusual/hidden world, trustworthy line by line writing, making us want to find out what will happen to the character(s), humour, unusual viewpoint, interesting ideas, unusual/interesting setting. She also mentioned that it’s ultimately her subjective choice and none of the entrants should be disheartened by not getting a mention. The standard was very high, with little to choose between many of the pieces, which is why Mandy chose to also give honorary mentions to a number of people. Many of the issues she highlighted were easily fixed and only a matter of craft. She found herself astonished at the scope of the imagination and the variety on display across all the entries. There were 26 in total. 

Thanks due to Alex Offer for running a great show on the night and bringing us in exactly on time.

First: Bob Hamilton: A Portrait of Forgiveness

Equal Second: Gemma Irving-Lees: Picasso Among the Pigeons

Equal Second: Graeme Hall: The City of Wine & Wormwood

Highly Commended: Jason: The Valley of Death

Highly Commended: Lou Harvey: All the Disordered Tendencies

Annavation award: Jaspreet Mander

Honourable mentions:

Gill Osborne: Double
Pat Pickavance: The Children Who Lived in the Forest
Anthony Davies: Untitled
Chris Read: Death with a Smile

From left to right: Anthony Davies, Lou Harvey, Mandy Sutter, Bob Hamilton, Gemma Irving Lees, Pat Pickavance, Chris Read, Jason, Gill Osborne