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 The 2017 Exeter Story Prize  and Trisha Ashley Award 

It has been a great privilege to read all the entries in this year's competition. The huge variety of subject matter, setting, style, and such a high standard of writing across the board, meant that once again, very difficult choices had to be made. Considerable congratulations must go to our winners. 
First Prize - £500 + trophy
The Improbable Yarn of Clark Curtis by Sophie Ellen Powell
We were completely enchanted by this quirky tale of obsession, knitting and superheroes. How the author weaves together such unlikely themes, within the setting of an extended family across the generations, is as remarkable as the most complex of knitting patterns. Fresh and original, with an ending that does not disappoint.
Second Prize - £150
Much by Joanna Campbell
A rainy day, a moment's inattention crossing the road on the way to school, and Graham lets go of his young sister's hand. What ensues forms the basis of this powerful, moving, but ultimately uplifting story. We all took Graham and his father into our hearts, such was the attention to detail, exquisite writing and the author's skill at revealing her characters so delicately.
Third Prize - £100
The Lock Keeper by Richard Buxton
Evan's peaceful life by the lock is disrupted by the arrival of the young, gay, large and lazy, Ash, whose been sent on work-experience.  Is it possible that their antagonism towards each other could ultimately be of benefit to them both? This is an absorbing and compassionate story touched with humour. We particularly enjoyed the convincing characterisation of the two men and the canal setting.
 The Trisha Ashley Award - £200 + trophy
Fields of Mud by Andrew Stiggers
Poor Eric is having a miserable time on the battlefield. There's mud everywhere and much of it all over him. He should never have joined up. But his friend, Jon is having a lovely time. Why, he even has a linen tunic and gold brooch-studded cloak! The relationship between these two friends is at the centre of this entertaining and well-written story. Will Eric ever assert himself? When the game is up, can he persuade the troops what the fighting is really all about? 
Short List
  1. An Entry in the Yellow Book - Dianne Bown-Wilson
  2. Door-knocking* - Amy Deakin
  3. Errand - Maureen Cullen
  4. Fields of Mud* - Andrew Stiggers
  5. Gaza Journal - Timothy Jay Smith
  6. Joe's Miracle - Toeckey Jones
  7. Much - Joanna Campbell
  8. O keep the dog far hence - Sarah Dawson
  9. Piñata - Chloe Turner
  10. The Improbable Yarn of Clark Curtis* - Sophie Ellen Powell
  11. The Lock Keeper - Richard Buxton
  12. The Week to End All Weeks* - Sue Tame
  13. Who Cares?  -  Barbara Stensland
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​Long List
  1. An Entry in the Yellow Book - Dianne Bown-Wilson
  2. Box 821 - Judith Wilson (withdrawn due to winning first prize elsewhere)
  3. Door Knocking - Amy Deakin
  4. Errand - Maureen Cullen
  5. Fields of Mud - Andrew Stiggers
  6. Gaza Journal - Timothy Jay Smith
  7. Joe's Miracle - Toecky Jones
  8. Looking for Light in the Cingulate Cortex - Cait Atherton
  9. Marlon Brando on my Breadboard - Michele Sheldon
  10. Much - Joanna Campbell
  11. O Keep the Dog Far Hence - Sarah Dawson
  12. Pinata - Chloe Turner
  13. Solstice - Brin Murray
  14. Still Roaring - Wendy Stedman
  15. The Blue Headscarf - Jane McLaughlin
  16. The Clarinettist - Rowan Patterson
  17. The Improbable Yarn of Clark Curtis - Sophie Ellen Powell
  18. The Lock Keeper - Richard Buxton
  19. The Other Woman - Jo Cole
  20. The Week to End All Weeks - Sue Tame
  21. The Writing on the Wall - Chris Youds
  22. Watching Morris - Hannah Persuad
  23. Who Cares? - Barbara Stensland
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Click on the image to read more about Trisha.
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Congratulations to Laura Guthrie, winner of the 2016 Exeter Story Prize.
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  • Home
  • What We Do
    • CreativeWritingMatters Guides
    • Mentoring
    • Manuscript Appraisal
  • Competitions
    • Our Winners
    • 2020 Exeter Novel Prize
    • 2020 Exeter Story Prize and Trisha Ashley Award >
      • 2020 Winning Stories
    • 2019 Exeter Novel Prize >
      • 2019 ENP Judge's Report
    • 2019 Exeter Story Prize and Trisha Ashley Award >
      • 2019 ESP Winning Stories
    • 2019 Exeter Flash Competition >
      • 2109 Flash Winners
    • 2018 Exeter Novel Prize
    • 2018 Exeter Story Prize and Trisha Ashley Award >
      • 2108 ESP Winning stories
    • 2018 Exeter Flash Competition >
      • 2018 Flash Winners
    • 2017 Exeter Novel Prize
    • 2017 Exeter Story Prize and Trisha Ashley Award
    • 2016 Exeter Novel Prize Award Ceremony and Judge's Report
    • 2016 Exeter Story Prize
    • 2015 ENP Award Ceremony and Judge's reports
    • 2015 ESP, Award Ceremony and Judges' Report
    • 2014 ENP Award Ceremony and Judge's Report
    • 2013 ENP Award Ceremony and Judge's Report
    • 2017 Flash Winners
    • 2016 Flash Winners
    • 2015 Flash Winners
    • 2014 Flash winners
    • 2013 Flash Winners
    • 2012 Flash Winners
    • 2011 Flash Winners
    • 2017 Wow! Winners
    • 2016 Wow! Winners
    • 2015 Wow! Winners
    • 2014 Wow! Winners
  • About us
    • Sophie Duffy
    • Cathie Hartigan
    • Margaret James
    • Contact us
  • Blog
  • Links
  • Privacy Policy