Oxfordshire eBook Short Story competition 2023 winners announced
A humorous mystery, a thought-provoking science fiction tale and the story of a young girl’s journey following the death of her father were the three winners of the 2023 Oxfordshire eBook Short Story competition.
The winner of the adult section was Caroline Kohl, who wrote The Writer’s Constitution. Set in the Hotel Beauregard, the book is an evocative mystery, laced with humour to keep the reader guessing throughout.
Caroline, from Oxford, said: “I’m really glad that the judging panel enjoyed my story.”
Young adult winner, Izzy Borg, writer of The Book-Burner’s Daughter, tells the tale of Stori, who takes a stand against the rich and poor divide in her community when she is forced to work as a book burner to provide fuel for the needy.
Izzy, aged 16 from Abingdon, on winning for a record second year on the run, , said: “Finding out I was the first two-time winner of the competition was both a shock and an honour!
“I wrote The Book-Burner’s Daughter as a bit of fun in my spare time, never imagining that it would be chosen to be published, but I am so thrilled to get the opportunity to share it. I hope that through the story I can spread my love for reading and help people to realise the importance of our libraries!"
Meanwhile the winner in the children’s section was Lucy Hemingway with The Contortionist.
The Contortionist is about a young girl, Kayla, who is forced to live with her aunt Ida when her father dies and mother goes missing. However, an impromptu visit to the circus sets Kayla on a new and unexpected path.
Lucy, aged 11 and from Chalbury, said: “'It means a lot to me to have won. I love writing stories, but I don't always manage to finish them! I'm so pleased I finished this one and that the judges enjoyed reading it.”
Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services and Safety, said: “The judging panel enjoyed reading and discussing the entries from many talented writers. The standard of this year’s stories was especially high. The winners should be extremely proud of their achievements”
Now in its ninth year, the competition continues to be a platform for the talented writers of Oxfordshire, with three categories to reflect the breadth of talent in the county.
All of these stories are now available to borrow as an ebook or audiobook by visiting Oxfordshire Libraries Overdrive platform.
Find out more about Oxfordshire County Council’s Libraries service, including how to access free ebooks, audiobooks, and more by visiting oxfordshire.gov.uk/libraries.
Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates thanks to our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.