Novel Competition Long List Finalists
Listed below are the finalists for the 2008 Novel Competition. The novel extracts were selected by our story readers as work that displayed a high level of highly structured writing that amply demonstrates an understanding of the writing craft, producing clear, descriptive narrative set in an interesting tale.
It was a tough decision and those manuscripts that were not included in the long list may have only missed out because the standard was indeed so high.
We have added a few comments given by the readers to highlight what made the extracts memorable and gave them their strength.
Please note that the long list is not listed in any particular order.
The Crow Painter's Wife Gripping, engaging and moves at a cracking pace
The Chapel of Her Dreams Tense, atmospheric writing
A Dubious Alliance Indulgent, enjoyable and well written
Rock Street Emotive, descriptive and insightful
Viper's Blood Dramatic, powerful writing
Finding Faith Interesting and appealing
Colonial Bride Beautifully descriptive
Truly Blue Good, engaging tale with a gentle streak of humour
Devil's Chimney Effective detail, good dialogue, snappy story plotline
Pointing Starwards A bloody good read
Putting the Pig Away Nicely told, narrative authentic and engaging, flows easily
Haggard Gentle Confident, bold writing, intense, extremely well written
Remembering the Dead Great opening chapter, strongly atmospheric
Pablo's Egg Powerful, painful, a voice that deserves to be heard
Blessed Are The Meek Great opening, dramatic, handled with aplomb
Fezes of Fantasy Very well written, strong opening chapter
In The Beginning Gripping, intriguing
The Adventures of Comet Sweat Distinctive voices, enjoyable, vivid
The King's Storyteller Excellent story, expertly written, well rounded
Saving Grace Good story, flows nicely, intriguing, fresh, breathtaking
Sunday's Child Warm, readable, engaging tale
Broken For You Detailed descriptions, confident, crafted writing
Fiercer Than Any Flame Complex tale handled with confidence and aplomb
Godfather Death An interesting tale, well written, strong prose
The Keeper and The Monkey Brilliantly articulated, strong writing style
Small Acts of Love Superb, the writing is stupendous, as is the sheer quality
Entropy Slow moving but effective
The Greatest Reason Likeable characters, a good read
Spoiling for Trouble Reads well, lightness of writing
The Resurrection of Danny MacNamara Interesting plot, portrayed effectively
The next Novel Competition has the deadline set at midnight on Sunday 28 February 2010. The new rules and entry details will appear on the website along with submissions which will be accepted from Thursday 1st January 2009.
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