Thea

Squeeeeee!!! So, so pleased for you! And Penguin Random House too? Flip – that’s the big time! Can’t tell you how delighted I am for you xxx

This is absolutely wonderful Kaz, and I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more. To find someone like that who ‘gets’ your writing and you click with, and the double endorsement of the PRH editor as well! Absolutely delighted with this, and can’t wait to read the book

Superb news Kaz – I’ve always loved your writing so know this is very well deserved. I’ll be in Melbourne in November, but more whizzing in and out a couple of times, on our way elsewhere, Will send you a closer wave, at least.

First AND second – that’s just amazing, Janette! I remember your story well – I loved it when I first read it, so deceptively simple yet powerful, without a hint of sentimentality. Just like this one. Very well deserved win, I’m SO happy for you 🙂

Fantastic, Janette. Delighted for you. What a lot of power you’ve packed into a few words. Cracking bit of writing and a well deserved winner.

Any plans for the second-place piece?

Just read it – told with your usual heart-warming warmth, salted, as always with human reality. Excellent.

This is brilliant, Janette. 1st and 2nd place. Grinning from ear to ear 😀

I’M GOING TO SHOUT TOO! HOORAY!

Yes, Hel – please do post – here or in our SE Group (not sure you’ve found that?) but let us know where. I definitely want to read it.

Only just found this Janette – brilliant and well-deserved news. Keep us posted.

Massive congratulations Janette. Looking forward to reading it!

Brilliant news Janette – definitely one for the Podium. And make sure you put a note there when the story’s published 🙂

Taking on board the comments so far, here’s an edited version, with a title change.

The First Time
Two men wearing overcoats followed the nurse down the corridor.
“Florence has quite perked up since you arranged this visit so she should be able to answer your questions. She’ll tire quickly, though, remember she’s over ninety.”
“Thank you, we’l…[Read more]

Ding ding ding – nope, still true! Brilliant news, Janette. Well done. And yes, it sounds very unusual.

Thanks Tony, good points, noted.
Thanks, Elle. I guess my spell checker doesn’t speak French! Good points. I think I have a tendency to over-explain or I would have ended it at “He was my first”. Need to trust the reader more. The telly paragraph is a bit of a cop out – I’ll need to rewrite it.

I can’t remember what the original prompt was, but I…[Read more]

You’re welcome, Bren. Lovely to see so many familiar names, indeed