Many writers have shared their thoughts with the public:

"There is something delicious about writing the first words of a story. You never quite know where they'll take you." - Beatrix Potter

"The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say." - Anaïs Nin

"Sharing your writing, being enlarged by others' writing, is what makes you feel famous." - Gretchen Bernabei

"Writing is not an amusing occupation. It is a combination of ditch-digging, mountain-climbing, treadmill and childbirth." - Edna Ferber

"Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing." - Ben Franklin

"One must be drenched in words, literally soaked in them, to have the right ones to form themselves into the proper pattern at the right moment." - Hart Crane

"There are three rules for writing. Unfortunately, no one can agree what they are." - W. Somerset Maugham

The Best of Times Short Story Competition

Spring 2018 results

Note: stories are available for reading only where the authors have given permission.

First Place ($300)

Eddy Burger, VIC: If the Cap Fits, Wear It

Second Place ($100)

Eddy Burger, VIC: Two Heads are Worse Than One

Third Place

Joan Parker, TAS: Dear Santa

Highly Commended

Karen Lieversz (penname), NSW: Near Miss

Jim Brigginshaw, NSW: Fifty Grades of Shea

Tim Frater, WA: Don't Let Anyone Change Your Name to Dopey

Commended

Jack Davis, VIC: The Decline and Fall of Stately Rise

Charlotte Stannard, QLD: Sweet Revenge

Vikki Bye, VIC: Fifty Blends of Coffee

Tony Lang, NSW: Time Flies


There were 50 short stories in the competition, from 41 entrants.