The response was overwhelming, with a remarkable display of creativity in every entry, but only a select few have emerged as victors.
Thanks to our readers’ votes, we’ve pinpointed the standout stories. You’ll find these winners, along with commentary from our judges and insights from the authors themselves, in the next section.
In an era dominated by quick reads and social media, the art of microfiction becomes ever more relevant. This competition celebrates the skill of saying much with little, a testament to the evolving landscape of storytelling.
ADULT WINNER
Palette of Colours
by Brendan Maguire, Ayrshire
It is an archetypal autumnal Scottish morning, grey, wet, windy and dismal. Locals would say “dreich”, possibly oblivious to their nod to onomatopoeia. Encountering a puddle, the air is blue. Brown, yellow and golden leaves risk being devoured as they float towards the awaiting drain, others cling for dear life to the once silver, protective grill. Bent like a corkscrew I trudge to the local shop. The welcoming, radiant smile from the local shopkeeper, Mrs McPherson, offers a ray of sunshine. Instantly my mood turns yellow.
