...better than a slater up your nose, as my old Granny used to say.
Three of my shorts, 'The Mascot', 'Jeth Dubbins' and 'Mrs Fizzes' have been awarded Highly Commended at the 24th Annual Writers' Conference, Shorter Short story comp.

Once again, many thanks to all who commented on these pieces and gave invaluable advice and encouragement.

Best
Sion

Brilliant Sion! You've got it!

Mon dieu, Sion - you're on a run - well done! You see, talent does get recognised. You give us faith!
Elspethx

Well done Sion!

The entries to those competitions are huge so that's no small feat.

Congratulations.

Dee.

Many thanks Nell, Elspeth and Dee. As it happens, these stories were amongst the ones that were so badly trashed by 'that editor'. So it just goes to show how subjective it all is (as if we didn't already know). Anyway, yah-boo sucks and up his botty.

Thanks again.

Best
Sion

Good on ya, Sion. I'm sorry I've not read the pieces but they're clearly worthy of praise and commendation! It's always good to hear that the blood, sweat and tears put into our work is eventually rewarded. What's next for you? Ah yes, the Booker Prize

Nahed

Sion, big congrats. Fantastic- and all the sweeter for knowing that you were right, huh? Nice one.

Thanks Nahed. I appreciate that, especially in the light of your recent experiences. A few months ago these stories were rejected by an anthology editor - but not just rejected, absolutely panned. I was very depressed for a few weeks. And I know it's an awful cliche, but the writing thing is like a roller-coaster. The truth is that the half-baked opinions of some unimaginative gits do get to us. But only temporarily. So don't allow them to destroy your dreams for good.
Write on Nahed.

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Sion

Sorry, we crossed in the post there Anna. Many thanks too.

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Sion

Well done Sion. It must make it all the more satisfying that these stories were trashed by that nasty editor.

All the best,

Ben

Congrats, Sion. It's nice to know that there are 'out there' editors and others who recognise good, creative work. It is only a pity that there are those ignorant twits who have little imagination and even less ability than your average five-year-old child; I apologise to all children aged five and upwards.

Len

Sion,

yah-boo sucks and up his botty

that’s one of the things I love about you – your maturity!

Years of discipline and an iron will have made me so gracious and forgiving, Dee.

Many thanks Ben and Len.

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Sion

Congratulations Sion, I'm sure you could write a great story about the loathsome editor and what happens to him when he learns of your success - driven to the sea, perhaps , wouldn't that be poetic justice?

Adele.

Well done Sion. An encouraging and heartwarming tale. Good for you!!!

Sam