Powers & Irish Times Short Story Comp

psicic · 19-05-2012 03:46PM

It has to be Hynes for me as well. While reading, I kept on thinking to myself 'This sounds like a type of 1930s joke an Englishman would tell about Ireland', but for me, it's the best story there.

I see one of the critical flaws in my own story - it wasn't as 'familiar' and immediate in tone - and the video on the website really explains I wasn't keyed in to what they were after at all.

dominiquecruz · 19-05-2012 04:53PM

An interesting selection; congrats to those who made the cut. For me, the 3 best are Gleeson, Forbes and McCormack. Touching stories.

mrpdap · 19-05-2012 08:01PM

Anyone know if the longlist will be available again? Heard my better half was one but it seems to have disappeared
Thanks

Chocolate Chip · 20-05-2012 09:31AM

I wrote my story in the hospital when my daughter was very ill and it took my mind off what was going on. I suppose I was just desperate to win the money so I could take some time off work to stay home with her, so I was writing for all the wrong reasons really.

I thought it was good but these are in a different league altogether. I loved Aprez Match, and the word made flesh moved me to tears which is incredible for 450 words. They all deserve to be on that list, mine isn't a patch on those but I will put it up here anyway. (if you promise not to laugh!)

c68zapdsm5i1ru · 20-05-2012 10:17AM

Congrats to all on the short list.

I wonder when they'll announce the other forty stories that will be in the book.

MOONlit · 20-05-2012 10:24AM

This is a letter which I sent to the Irish times today.

RE : THE LONGLIST

To Roisin Ingle and the other Judges on the Powers Short story competition 2012

Dear Roisin,
I would really, really, really like to know, why the advert for the powers short story competition 2012 , glowingly trumpeted the theme/guidlines 'celebrating what truely matters' ......in Ireland .......in the here and now,..... in 2012' for its short story competition.
To produce a great story while writing within those guidlines/themes, i read into that, is the intrinsic and tough part of the competition , so as to achieve the fabulous prize of €10.000.... or make the lists.

I spent 2 weeks writing a story, straining to more of less follow the theme/guidelines as a major clue to what was sought.
How do you think I felt when the longlist was published ?
I felt like a fool. Now. I feel that the competition was so misleading, and that it was not much better than a charade. Was it dishonesty, or was it sloppiness, inaccuracy? - for the IRISH TIMES? and for €10.000?

I was one of the 4,200 ( ....you didnt let us down ...... all 4,200 of you ....) who responded to the frequent calls to submit a story .

Re the longlist, there were many beautiful stories ,within the guidelines stated, but ,you would need to be totally thick, not to notice the recurring stories sporting a doom and /or gloom theme, plus other stories way outside the themes sought
For me too, doom and gloom is an easier option. I myself generally have much more success writing a sad/gloom themed short story ( who doesnt know about sadness?)............oh, but there were those guidlines to respect !

I'm not so stupid, that i am unable to spot an oblique reference to a theme when reading a short story. But, hats off, did i not read ,published on the longlist, a narrative about peoples persecuted in Europe, in the past..
I have given up trying to fathom a link to a powers short story on that one. As history happens to be my subject , I would have loved to have written a similar themed account. - giving me a better chance of making the longlist..

Did I not also read a poem published on the longlist ? I would like to have had the chance to have written a poem -- again a better bet for making the longlist.

Why couldnt you have levelled the playing field, and simply asked for a short story of less than 450 words ?

The short list winners were clearly experienced enough to have just done that. Many of them are published authors and fair play to them.( competent clever stories , most of them, but with a parallel style, or a little bland for €10.000?

A more honest guidline would have been :
Write a short story of 450 words, about anything you like , sad, happy gloomy ,dumb, past, distant past ,future etc – and, hint hint - for the big prize itself, a creative writing course is highly recommended for the uninitiated among you, before you even put pen to paper !)

I didnt make the Longlist, but I am happy with my achievement of writing a decent story in theme/guidlines ,and will edit and submit it further now.

ps By the way, despite what Roisin Ingle surmised in the video, - that many people might have submitted a story not particularly to win anything - I, at any rate, wrote seriously with my eyes firmly on the chance of making the longlist, the shortlist , or even the very generous €10,OOO. Prize.
Its disingeneous in this day and age to suggest otherwise.

dominiquecruz · 20-05-2012 10:38AM

I think you should move on.

MOONlit · 20-05-2012 10:56AM

dominiquecruz wrote: »

I think you should move on.

Ha Ha loved your reply! Made me laugh out loud - it looked so funny under my long blousy letter. Wouldnt it be hilarious if i got that exact reply - like something from a cartoon!
I tell you what though, I was very serious when I wrote it - furious I was.

dominiquecruz · 20-05-2012 11:03AM

MOONlit wrote: »

Ha Ha loved your reply! Made me laugh out loud - it looked so funny under my long blousy letter. Wouldnt it be hilarious if i got that exact reply - like something from a cartoon!
I tell you what though, I was very serious when I wrote it - furious I was.

I do understand some of your points; but with the shortlist published, and the stories good, there's little to be done about it now.

c68zapdsm5i1ru · 20-05-2012 12:59PM

I agree with some of your points Moonlit and think a lot of same old same old whimsical stuff was selected for the longlist. I would love to have seen some more creative and quirky approaches to the theme. I also don't think some of the stories stuck, in any way, to the theme.

However, it's done now, the shortlisting is complete, so onwards and upwards. I've stopped obsessing about the Powers shortlist, and am now obsessing about the children's book I hope to have ready for submission over the Summer.

Dullard · 20-05-2012 02:16PM

The reason why superb stories such as mine and yours did not make the long list, despite the presence there of a plethora of sub-standard efforts, is simple: there is in existence an alternative Irish Times located in a parallel universe. Our pieces, having been despatched, dropped through a window in the ether above D'Olier Street into the premises of the "other" Irish Times. And there they are, currently being appraised. I am led to believe that the configuration of the window attracts, and permits to pass, only items of exceptionally high quality.
To back up my explanation, I can now announce that I was last year's winner of the alternative Irish Times competition. Unfortunately, I was unable to collect the €10,000 as I did not have the knowledge (key?) to effect the successful navigation of my physical being, there and back. Next year I shall submit a particularly bad story in the hope that it escapes the window and goes on to win the competition.

Babette · 20-05-2012 03:48PM

No point in arguing with the judges: "The decision of the Judges is final and no correspondence will be entered into. "

Robert Fannin's story stands out for me, great fun.

Whelpling · 20-05-2012 04:22PM

Lilly Prehistoric Tin wrote: »

I've stopped obsessing about the Powers shortlist, and am now obsessing about the children's book I hope to have ready for submission over the Summer.

Chicken House? Me too!

Whelpling · 20-05-2012 04:25PM

Re: The letter. I think it's a bit OTT, mate. Nobody submits a short story to a competition thinking it's crap, and insulting other writers because your story didn't get picked is a bit off. The industry is hard enough on writers without us turning on each other unproductively. The first and biggest lesson to learn in any art form is to take criticism and failure with grace. Just my 2c.

indough · 20-05-2012 04:32PM

i think it is a fair enough criticism that they pretty much disregarded the theme but there is no point in making anything out of it now. just take it on the chin and remember not to worry about the theme next time

Madammoiselle · 20-05-2012 04:47PM

Whelpling wrote: »

Lilly Prehistoric Tin wrote: »

I've stopped obsessing about the Powers shortlist, and am now obsessing about the children's book I hope to have ready for submission over the Summer.

Chicken House? Me too!

Whoa, thanks for the link to that competition guys.
It's right up my street.
On to bigger & better things.
I'd rather get published than have €10,000 in my back pocket any day.

MOONlit · 20-05-2012 05:15PM

Whelpling wrote: »

Re: The letter. I think it's a bit OTT, mate. Nobody submits a short story to a competition thinking it's crap, and insulting other writers because your story didn't get picked is a bit off. The industry is hard enough on writers without us turning on each other unproductively. The first and biggest lesson to learn in any art form is to take criticism and failure with grace. Just my 2c.

Aw Whelping, youve dismissed my complaint as been totally grounded in simple jealousy - the easy option. I can assure you that I was feeling, jealousy doesnt cut it - more like murderous!!!!!
Well my rant is born out of a fury that Stories which gave the guidelines the 2 fingers (-and good luck to them, wish i did that -) got on to the longlist while mine, which wrote in theme, did not. The short list is a different issue, separate to the rant.
I know that my humble story does not at all measure up to the shortlisters. And i can learn from their stories ie thats an interesting way of saying that etc. But in general, my story sure as hell measured up the the Longlisters, from which I have learned nothing.
I believe that I am free to mention whether I like a story or not. I cant believe that forbidden. But for instance, one of the shortlisters writes like Kevin Barry, whose recent win for me is already a classic.Perhaps you are on the shortlist. Good luc if so.
Thank you Bella Bella for the voice of reason, Iv so cooled down since this morning. Good luck with your book.

MOONlit · 20-05-2012 05:16PM

Whelpling wrote: »

Re: The letter. I think it's a bit OTT, mate. Nobody submits a short story to a competition thinking it's crap, and insulting other writers because your story didn't get picked is a bit off. The industry is hard enough on writers without us turning on each other unproductively. The first and biggest lesson to learn in any art form is to take criticism and failure with grace. Just my 2c.

Aw Whelping, youve dismissed my complaint as been totally grounded in simple jealousy - the easy option. I can assure you that what I was feeling, jealousy doesnt cut it - more like murderous!!!!!
Well my rant is born out of a fury that Stories which gave the guidelines the 2 fingers (-and good luck to them, wish i did that -) got on to the longlist while mine, which wrote in theme, did not. The short list is a different issue, separate to the rant.
I know that my humble story does not at all measure up to the shortlisters. And i can learn from their stories ie thats an interesting way of saying that etc. But in general, my story sure as hell measured up the the Longlisters, from which I have learned nothing.
I believe that I am free to mention whether I like a story or not. I cant believe that forbidden. But for instance, one of the shortlisters writes like Kevin Barry, whose recent win for me is already a classic.Perhaps you are on the shortlist. Good luc if so.
Thank you Bella Bella for the voice of reason, Iv so cooled down since this morning. Good luck with your book.

Deus Ex Machina · 20-05-2012 05:50PM

MOONlit wrote: »

This is a letter which I sent to the Irish times today.

RE : THE LONGLIST

To Roisin Ingle and the other Judges on the Powers Short story competition 2012

Dear Roisin,
I would really, really, really like to know, why the advert for the powers short story competition 2012 , glowingly trumpeted the theme/guidlines 'celebrating what truely matters' ......in Ireland .......in the here and now,..... in 2012' for its short story competition.
To produce a great story while writing within those guidlines/themes, i read into that, is the intrinsic and tough part of the competition , so as to achieve the fabulous prize of €10.000.... or make the lists.

I spent 2 weeks writing a story, straining to more of less follow the theme/guidelines as a major clue to what was sought.
How do you think I felt when the longlist was published ?
I felt like a fool. Now. I feel that the competition was so misleading, and that it was not much better than a charade. Was it dishonesty, or was it sloppiness, inaccuracy? - for the IRISH TIMES? and for €10.000?

I was one of the 4,200 ( ....you didnt let us down ...... all 4,200 of you ....) who responded to the frequent calls to submit a story .

Re the longlist, there were many beautiful stories ,within the guidelines stated, but ,you would need to be totally thick, not to notice the recurring stories sporting a doom and /or gloom theme, plus other stories way outside the themes sought
For me too, doom and gloom is an easier option. I myself generally have much more success writing a sad/gloom themed short story ( who doesnt know about sadness?)............oh, but there were those guidlines to respect !

I'm not so stupid, that i am unable to spot an oblique reference to a theme when reading a short story. But, hats off, did i not read ,published on the longlist, a narrative about peoples persecuted in Europe, in the past..
I have given up trying to fathom a link to a powers short story on that one. As history happens to be my subject , I would have loved to have written a similar themed account. - giving me a better chance of making the longlist..

Did I not also read a poem published on the longlist ? I would like to have had the chance to have written a poem -- again a better bet for making the longlist.

Why couldnt you have levelled the playing field, and simply asked for a short story of less than 450 words ?

The short list winners were clearly experienced enough to have just done that. Many of them are published authors and fair play to them.( competent clever stories , most of them, but with a parallel style, or a little bland for €10.000?

A more honest guidline would have been :
Write a short story of 450 words, about anything you like , sad, happy gloomy ,dumb, past, distant past ,future etc – and, hint hint - for the big prize itself, a creative writing course is highly recommended for the uninitiated among you, before you even put pen to paper !)

I didnt make the Longlist, but I am happy with my achievement of writing a decent story in theme/guidlines ,and will edit and submit it further now.

ps By the way, despite what Roisin Ingle surmised in the video, - that many people might have submitted a story not particularly to win anything - I, at any rate, wrote seriously with my eyes firmly on the chance of making the longlist, the shortlist , or even the very generous €10,OOO. Prize.
Its disingeneous in this day and age to suggest otherwise.

Jesus, you're a lunatic. You lost, chill out.

An Ri rua · 20-05-2012 06:04PM

Deus Ex Machina wrote: »

Jesus, you're a lunatic. You lost, chill out.

I wouldn't agree with that at all. Moonlit is pointing out serious rule-setting and judging flaws. Not attacking other writers per se. As such, they speak on behalf of many posters here, I feel. Perhaps a calmer version than when this was written.

But yes, I am a bit miffed at the Irish Times' deep involvement and yet seriously flawed management of this. I did stick to the theme. I did mention Powers. I have had a successful career writing ad and PR copy in marketing roles. I also like to write poetry and, occasionally, sad tales. But didn't think they would work under the guidelines offered.

What's done is done. The Irish Times ain't the rock of sense it used to be. In so many ways. That mantle was taken by the SBP years ago....

psicic · 20-05-2012 06:12PM

MOONlit, I sympathise with your frustration - I really didn't like some aspects of the competition, including the tone of that video with the judge on the Irish Times website. I also think it's good you're so passionate about your writing - don't lose that, no matter what anyone says. Just don't get too frustrated focusing on this one competition.

To me, it was like a school essay competition (length-wise) with unclear guidelines and a theme that was more incidental then we thought. I think the IT ran this quite badly... but I'm already over it.

What I did get out of this competition was a gentle return to writing. This is the first time I've come back to writing in years. (I used to enter competitions - but I always completely miss what the judges were looking for. I mean, I'm an okay writer, but not the type that'd win competitions - as an example, the year I decided to enter Fish and, what the hell, opted for the critique. Reading the critique I got back, you'd think I just wrote the Booker prize winner... but of course, I didn't even make the longlist!!!)

This competition has given me a taste for writing again - so I feel like I'm a winner, in some ways.... and isn't that what truly matters....:pac:

Whelpling · 20-05-2012 06:17PM

MOONlit wrote: »

Aw Whelping, youve dismissed my complaint as been totally grounded in simple jealousy - the easy option. I can assure you that I was feeling, jealousy doesnt cut it - more like murderous!!!!!
Well my rant is born out of a fury that Stories which gave the guidelines the 2 fingers (-and good luck to them, wish i did that -) got on to the longlist while mine, which wrote in theme, did not. The short list is a different issue, separate to the rant.
I know that my humble story does not at all measure up to the shortlisters. And i can learn from their stories ie thats an interesting way of saying that etc. But in general, my story sure as hell measured up the the Longlisters, from which I have learned nothing.
I believe that I am free to mention whether I like a story or not. I cant believe that forbidden. But for instance, one of the shortlisters writes like Kevin Barry, whose recent win for me is already a classic.Perhaps you are on the shortlist. Good luc if so.
Thank you Bella Bella for the voice of reason, Iv so cooled down since this morning. Good luck with your book.

No no, I didn't mean to suggest it was jealousy. I apologise if it came across that way. It just seemed a bit... ranty. And it did seem as though you were miffed that you didn't get picked. It could be an issue with the judging that made you feel that way. Doesn't have to be jealousy.

You did say that history is your thing, and you would like to have written a short story including some historical element - I don't know why that wouldn't have been possible within the 'celebrating what matters' theme. I also think many of the stories had a somewhat abstract representation of the theme, but personally I enjoy the more abstract treatment of a theme or issue. Maybe the judges did too? Or maybe, as you say, theme wasn't accounted for in judging. We'll never know! Unless you get an answer of course, which I doubt

Good luck wherever you put your story next, anyway!

@ Madammoiselle - Good luck with doublecluck! Here's to insanity and insomnia over the coming months

Madammoiselle · 20-05-2012 06:51PM

Whelpling wrote: »

MOONlit wrote: »

Aw Whelping, youve dismissed my complaint as been totally grounded in simple jealousy - the easy option. I can assure you that I was feeling, jealousy doesnt cut it - more like murderous!!!!!
Well my rant is born out of a fury that Stories which gave the guidelines the 2 fingers (-and good luck to them, wish i did that -) got on to the longlist while mine, which wrote in theme, did not. The short list is a different issue, separate to the rant.
I know that my humble story does not at all measure up to the shortlisters. And i can learn from their stories ie thats an interesting way of saying that etc. But in general, my story sure as hell measured up the the Longlisters, from which I have learned nothing.
I believe that I am free to mention whether I like a story or not. I cant believe that forbidden. But for instance, one of the shortlisters writes like Kevin Barry, whose recent win for me is already a classic.Perhaps you are on the shortlist. Good luc if so.
Thank you Bella Bella for the voice of reason, Iv so cooled down since this morning. Good luck with your book.

No no, I didn't mean to suggest it was jealousy. I apologise if it came across that way. It just seemed a bit... ranty. And it did seem as though you were miffed that you didn't get picked. It could be an issue with the judging that made you feel that way. Doesn't have to be jealousy.

You did say that history is your thing, and you would like to have written a short story including some historical element - I don't know why that wouldn't have been possible within the 'celebrating what matters' theme. I also think many of the stories had a somewhat abstract representation of the theme, but personally I enjoy the more abstract treatment of a theme or issue. Maybe the judges did too? Or maybe, as you say, theme wasn't accounted for in judging. We'll never know! Unless you get an answer of course, which I doubt

Good luck wherever you put your story next, anyway!

@ Madammoiselle - Good luck with doublecluck! Here's to insanity and insomnia over the coming months

Thanks Whelping! It will be a challenge over the next few months, I'm looking forward to it. Are you entering?

Whelpling · 20-05-2012 07:08PM

That's the plan!

I've had an idea for a teenfic trilogy bumping about in my head for a couple of years now. It's pretty well developed in terms of plot/characters/theme/events, so this is the perfect catalyst to force me to get it down on paper (or screen - who do I think I am? Shakespeare?

) There's no saying I'll be done in time, of course, but I'll give it my best shot!

Symptomatic · 20-05-2012 07:08PM

There was much mismanagement with this competition.

1) Direction and Theme: Whether to have Powers in the story or not? Being directed to last years short list and winner full of Powers references. Being directed to keep it contemporary with the theme of celebrating what truly matters.

It seemed great to have these tips but it looks now as if they were misleading. Clarity about the mention of Powers or not would have made for fair competition. As none of the 10 did it's safe to assume it was a no-no.

2) The Long List: Dribbling out a long list when all the stories had not been read. This was maddening. A long list should only appear when all have been read and judged. 'Check again soon...' For what? More frustration?

3) The Short List: A short list appearing with only 10 stories. Surely the 40 or 50 that will be published should be the short list. After such a massive meandering long list to have only 10 on the short list makes no sense.

In short... it all smacks of panic and slap dashery to me. What ever happened to long list 17? As reading was still ongoing for the long list when the 17 fiasco happened (we were being called to check back soon) where are the other stories that should have been longlisted. Were all the stories actually read in the end? Because no more appeared on the long list.... When the long list was complete we should've been informed 'the long list is now complete. We are working on the short list'. Simple, clear. Is there a full long list somewhere? Is there a full short list somewhere i.e. the pieces to be published?

Last year's winning story had it all. Subtlety, relationship, unspoken love and a touch of magic. I'm afraid I can't see that this year at all. Congrats to the 10 though, I've enjoyed reading them for different reasons. Two of the 10 stories featuring chips and two stories featuring eggs, my entry next year will be called 'Egg 'n chips'! And I'll leave celebrating what truly matters and Powers out altogether. Or am I missing the point?!

Like others on the boards I've spent too much time on this. I did what I was asked, celebrating what truly matters the firm theme. I had three other stories any one of which might've faired better i.e. without Powers and without the celebrating theme. I'm moving on. I was hoping for a very positive experience, not to win, but to really enjoy the process. Alas no. There are too many questions that we may never have answers too.

My main question though is were all the stories read thoroughly or did the dream team run out of steam?

Gotta go, a book to be written. I'm hoping that my frustration with this process will enhance my current writing of scenes. I actually think it will, so that's a good enough spin off for me. Good luck and enjoy whatever your next endeavours are. And here's to clarity and competitive fairness from the organisers next time around.

kieslowski · 20-05-2012 08:45PM

At the risk of being lynched....my humble story made the shortlist. It's hugely encouraging as I'm a novice writer and it's probably the kick start I needed to move my writing forward. I was delighted to make the long list as I know some outstanding writers who didn't. To make the shortlist is dreamland territory. To those disappointed for not making the shortlist, isn't there still a chance you will be in the book though?

echo beach · 20-05-2012 08:54PM

kieslowski wrote: »

At the risk of being lynched....my humble story made the shortlist. It's hugely encouraging as I'm a novice writer and it's probably the kick start I needed to move my writing forward. I was delighted to make the long list as I know some outstanding writers who didn't. To make the shortlist is dreamland territory. To those disappointed for not making the shortlist, isn't there still a chance you will be in the book though?

I don't think there will be a lynching party but plenty of us will be in 'the green with envy' party.
All of the shortlisted stories are very good even if not all of them are to my personal taste and I don't feel any of them have the 'wow' factor to completely stop you in your tracks and say 'that has to be the winner'.

I suppose you still have to wait until next week to find out if you get the €10,000. A long week for you. At least our waiting is over.

Madammoiselle · 20-05-2012 08:57PM

kieslowski wrote: »

At the risk of being lynched....my humble story made the shortlist. It's hugely encouraging as I'm a novice writer and it's probably the kick start I needed to move my writing forward. I was delighted to make the long list as I know some outstanding writers who didn't. To make the shortlist is dreamland territory. To those disappointed for not making the shortlist, isn't there still a chance you will be in the book though?

Congratulations to you for making the short list.
What a fantastic achievement you now have under your belt. Well done & the very best of luck for the win! :-)

Whelpling · 20-05-2012 09:38PM

Congrats Kieslowski!

Good luck for the win! Let us know how you get on

kieslowski · 20-05-2012 09:45PM

echo beach wrote: »

I don't think there will be a lynching party but plenty of us will be in 'the green with envy' party.
All of the shortlisted stories are very good even if not all of them are to my personal taste and I don't feel any of them have the 'wow' factor to completely stop you in your tracks and say 'that has to be the winner'.

I suppose you still have to wait until next week to find out if you get the €10,000. A long week for you. At least our waiting is over.

It's a bit of a wait alright, €10,000 would pay alot of bills!

Really I'm just delighted that I'll get published in the book as that is new territory for me. I had never considered the short story as a genre to actively pursue until recently so I'm amazed to get a result so quickly. I want to write a novel eventually.

Powers & Irish Times Short Story Comp

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