Summer Solstice Challenge Winners

‘Safety Net’, by Meredith Harmon, begins in a confiding tone. ‘What town?’ the tale asks. ‘We're an enclave. We're farmers. We till the soil like our forefathers, and our children's children's children will till it, till the end of time.’ There is a folkloric sensibility here, suited to the prompt, but also something contemporary and practical. This winning story of a community trying to protect and preserve itself has echoes of Shirley Jackson’s famous tale ‘The Lottery’, Meredith is a strong Vocal Creator with 225 stories to her name; and this is her second first place win of a challenge; huge congratulations.

In second place comes Michael Darvall’s ‘The Little Grembly Ladies’ Association Soiree’ — Michael has contributed nearly 40 stories to Vocal and this is his first time placing in a challenge. We loved this for its humor: even Michael’s names have an amusing ring, signaling an English village atmosphere; Mrs Prudence Consend, a hamlet called Turping. It’s full of lovely detail, too: a small bonfire, a village where not much happened and so any excitement is welcome. This brought a smile to our faces.

Runners-up include Eloise Robertson for ‘Immortal Summer’, in which an interview-style tale gains additional intrigue from a clever use of photographs. Marti Maley’s ‘Midnight Sun’ takes us up to Alaska, where light is especially welcome after darkness, and ‘the energy is nothing but love’. C. H. Richard’s ‘Driftwood People’ had an atmosphere of welcome and inclusivity that was wonderfully uplifting. Thanks again for all this bright light from our Vocal Creators.

You can check out the full list of winners HERE and learn about our current challenges below: