Here is the latest WestWord newsletter with details of open submissions, workshops and the Craft and Connection Comp winners:
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Many thanks to everyone who submitted a story to work with me in a personalised mentoring programme to develop their short fiction. And well done to the writers who made it through to the longlist. I’ve had a really busy time moving home and doing a Reiki course since announcing the longlist so thanks to everyone for their patience waiting on the results. I’ve gone straight to the winners as time is marching on and the longlist was so short that really they were the shortlist!
Congratulations to all as I really enjoyed reading your submissions and the three winners have changed repeatedly as I went back and read them all several times over the past month.
First Place: Mother Nature Wears a Shroud by Robin Kalota
Two sisters stand over their deceased mother's body, each carrying different memories of the woman they nicknamed "Mother Nature". Through precise, poetic language and extended meteorological metaphor, this piece explores how family dynamics shape our grief. The contrast between sisters—one the lightning rod, one the grounding—creates layers of emotional complexity
Second Place: Dante Elevated by Jill Bronfman
This haunting flash fiction traces a relationship from Silent Disco meet-cute to hospital goodbye through five vivid vignettes. Cultural touchstones — Bowie, zombie prom queens, reunion dances — anchor each scene in time while spare, precise details build emotional weight. Writing that trusts readers to feel the spaces between moments.
Third Place: The Lies Fishermen Tell by Sally Curtis
This ingenious piece uses fishing terminology as metaphor for an abusive relationship, with technical "instructions" framing each section. The protagonist's underwater fantasies in kitchen sink and bathtub create a great contrast with her trapped reality. The final image is both shocking and triumphant, marking her escape with dark humour.
Shortlisted
These compelling pieces explored themes of escape and resilience. "Get Out by Helen Connell" delivered divorce proceedings through crisp email exchanges, showing liberation through digital communication. "Baltic by Geraldine McCarthy" followed a librarian's slip on ice leading to unexpected creative awakening, blending gentle humor with self-discovery. "Touched by the Hand of God by Jonathan Buckmaster" wove football legend through family memory, examining faith and nostalgia across generations.
I really do wish there was more of me to go around and I could have awarded everyone a prize!
With love,
Amanda 💙
Open Submissions
Just a few days left to send us your entries for The Past Times Prize. We want historical flashes (500 words or fewer) from the 1920s.
The November themed edition is accepting submission until the end of September. Theme: THRESHOLD.
We’re always open for submissions to Flash Focus, Short Story Spotlight and Folktale Flash.
Write With Me
None of my courses are about following formulas or writing to market trends. They're about discovering the stories that live in your heart and bones, and learning to pour words onto the page without fear. They’ve all been written with love. 💙 Paid members of my Mindful Writer Substack get discounts and early booking on all of my courses, as well as lots of other great things to find ways to live and write more mindfully.
"Amanda isn’t just a writing teacher; she is a mentor and a guide. I unequivocally recommend her courses and coaching if you seek to improve your writing, connect more deeply with yourself and the creative force, and find renewed joy in life and in your writing."
— Loretta
If you want to make meaning from your own lived experience...The Mindful Memoir Course guides you through the sacred act of transforming your memories into meaningful narrative, helping you find the universal truths within your personal journey and write your story with courage, compassion, and authentic voice. Starts 6th October.
If you're ready to write with deeper purpose...Compassionate Storytelling shows you how to create fiction and memoir that promotes healing, understanding, and positive change in our world. Starts 10th November.
If you want to transform your entire writing practice...A Year of Mindful Writing offers twelve months of guided exploration to help you develop a sustainable, joyful writing practice that nourishes both your craft and your soul. Applications open 1st September.
My Upcoming Zoom Workshops
Join me for online inspiring workshops to connect with your craft and other writers.
If you want your characters to speak with truth...Mindful Dialogue: Writing Conversations That Connect explores how mindful listening in your daily life can transform the conversations you create on the page, helping you craft authentic dialogue that reveals character depth and advances your story with genuine human connection in fiction and creative nonfiction. 30th August, 3-4:30pm BST.
Ready to transform your writing journey?
WestWord isn't just another literary journal. It's a movement toward more mindful, meaningful storytelling that brings healing, peace, and unity to our divided world.
Join our writing community for just £14/month and unlock:
✨ Weekly 1-hour flash fiction writing Zoom sessions
✨ Monthly 1-2 hour craft workshops with replays
✨ Exclusive in-depth craft posts with deep insight and unique writing prompts
✨ Submissions to ALL themed editions and the annual WestWord Prize
From craft development to publication opportunities, membership gives you everything you need to grow as a writer.
Save £28 with annual membership — that's two months free — and makes each workshop, craft post, writing session and submission just £1.73 each!
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