Writings

From time to time we will be posting writings from our members, entrants of the William Taylor Memorial Short Story Competition and from other sources.

“On the Third Day“ by Bruce Costello of Hampden, North Otago

This short story by Bruce Costello won first place in the William Taylor Memorial Short Story Competition for 2018 On the Third Day The ship is big and white, like my lies.             The receptionist in the Coral Restaurant speaks almost perfect English.            ...

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“Detached” by Bevan M. Nicol of Whangaparoa

This short story won second place in the William Taylor Memorial Short Story Competition for 2018 Detached Auburn leaves detach from the English trees and muddle about the garden. I’m unsure how long I’ve been watching their charming, futile flutter through the...

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“Heartbeat” by Linley Jones of Half Moon Bay, Auckland

This short story by Linley Jones won third place in the William Taylor Memorial Heartland Short Story Competition for 2018 Heartbeat Alice watched the chicken fall off the back of the truck. A frenzy of feathers.  A dirty white duster. She touched the brake with her...

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“Heart” by Robyn Gower of Ohura

This short story by Robyn Gower of Ohura won first place in the local section of the William Taylor Memorial Short Story Competition for 2018 HEART  “Avast!!”      Bob Simmons, interesting nutter number one. Continuously calls out iconic or nonsensical statements,...

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“A Korero”by Lynda Taylor of Waiouru,

This short story by Lynda Taylor of Waiouru won second place in the local section of the William Taylor Memorial Short Story competition for 2018 A Kōrero  “C’mon Jed. Let’s check the mail.”  The little dog rouses himself from sleep in the sunny hallway and follows me...

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“Last Tango in Piariaka” by Jeff Taylor

This story by Jeff Taylor of Hamilton won second place in the William Taylor Memorial Heartland Short Story Competition for 2017.  The judge commented: I really liked this story for its honesty and matter-of-fact style of writing. There are only two characters, but...

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“Business” by Kayla Mackenzie-Kopp

This story by Kayla Mackenzie-Kopp won first prize in the open category of the William Taylor Memorial Heartland Short Story Competition for 2017. The judge commented: How do you make a dollar when you are a couple of kids living in Apia? It’s a simple idea...

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“Out of the Closet”by Glenda Burkett

This  story by Glenda Burkett won the local Ruapehu prize in the William Taylor Short. The judge commented: A cleverly written ‘Coming Out’ story. Of course I read it waiting for the angst-fuelled ‘I’m Gay’ confession, but no! She is coming out ‘grey’, accepting that...

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“Godley’s F.u.b.a.r” by Bruce Stevenson

This story by Bruce Stevenson was awarded a Highly Commended" rating in the William Taylor Memorial Short Story competition for 2016.  Bruce lives in Ohura.  "Godley's F.u.b.a.r by Bruce Stevenson  I’m clutching an old Rimu board pulled from the firewood stash. Dense...

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“Rona” by Mary Elsmore-Neilson

This story by Mary Elsmore-Neilson won 3rd place in the William Taylor Memorial Short Story competition for 2016. The judge commented: Rona allows us to discover meaning as much in what the writer doesn’t share, as what is here. The voice of the child-narrator is...

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“White” by Linda Moser

This story by Linda Moser won 2nd place in the William Taylor Memorial Short Story Competition for 2016. The Judge commented: This is beautifully sustained descriptive prose that offers fine insights into a moment of change for the narrator who is the protagonist. You...

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“The Night of the Big Music” by Dale Thomas

This story was the winning entry in the 2016 William Taylor Memorial Short Story Competition The Judge's Comments were: The Night of the Big Music is, in the best sense of that term, a very good yarn, allowing us to understand how important it is to understand what it...

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