Dublin-based, Steve Wade, has received a ‘Commended’ accolade for his work Last Refuge in the Ouen Press International Short Story Competition – with its brief for a work of fiction that involved a ‘Gift’ of any type, at any time, from any place in this world or another.
“The judges were particularly interested in well-written, compelling storylines, thoughtful plots and engaging characters” said Paula Comley from Ouen Press.
In Last Refuge, going to work with his Da’ is a birthday treat for young Tommy. But, as Da’ grifts his way from one end of town to the other, Tommy’s special day turns into a tragedy as his father’s luck finally runs out.
Delighted with the global reach of the competition, the Ouen Press founder continued, “We are always honoured to receive entries from all over the world.”
Steve Wade’s story will be included in an anthology – Zawadi & other short stories – bringing together the very best competition submissions that hail from across the British Isles and Europe, and further afield from Israel, Japan and North America.
From the variety of stories in this collection, we learn about precious things that are embodied in people, places, talents, the joy of giving and receiving, the despair in losing, and the solace in recognizing the value of what we have rather than wasting time, arguably the most precious gift of all, in anguish over what we have not.
About ZAWADI and other short stories:
Enduring themes for uncertain times. This anthology contains the best of the submissions to the 2019 Ouen Press short story competition, with its brief for a work of fiction involving a ‘Gift’ of any type, at any time, from any place in this world or another. In this collection we learn about precious things that are embodied in people, places, ideas, talents, the joy in giving and receiving, the despair in losing, and the solace in recognising the value of what we have rather than wasting time, arguably the most precious gift of all, in anguish over what we have not.
Order your copy online here.