'My Magnificent Cloak' wins 3rd prize in the The William Taylor Memorial Heartland Short Story Competition

I was delighted to be awarded 3rd prize in The William Taylor Memorial Heartland Short Story Competition, run by the Taumarunui Writers’ Group, for my Young Adult short story, My Magnificent Cloak.

The judge commented: ‘There’s a real element of mystique and magic in this beautifully told tale. The language is rich, poetic, musical even. It’s an enigmatic story full of symbolism and metaphor, very like a parable, fable or myth passed on through generations. I don’t get all of it, I don’t think you need to, that is part of the mystical quality of the prose. What is important is that the reader is transported into this mythical world, a world where a magnificent cloak is the centre of the universe, and the girl who wears it is part goddess, part innocent child, part heroine, part scapegoat. A wonderful piece of writing.’

‘The Heartland Short Story Competition started in 2004. It has since been renamed The William Taylor Memorial (Heartland) Short Story Competition in memory of William (Bill) Taylor, who gave freely of his time and advice to help establish Taumarunui Writers’ Group and this competition.’ - Taumarunui Writers’ Group Website