Geelong Regional Libraries is delighted to announce the winner of our ‘Amazing Lockdown’ Short Story Competition: Ben Mitchell, member of the Queenscliff branch, for his story titled ‘Tunundra Valley’.

When Ben heard he’d won, he said “I'm pleased and excited.  Just thought I'd have a go. I didn't expect anything to come of it.  Thank you to the library for running the competition."

Ben’s short story entry was selected to win by our wonderful judges, out of a field of 47 quality submissions. It has been described as 'chilling', 'polished' and having a ‘terrific twist’. Ben's prize is a $100 book voucher from The Bookshop at Queenscliff. 

Read his winning entry here.

Judge’s comments: Jane Tuttle, author of Paris or Die

‘What a treat to read so many people's lockdown stories, both imagined and real. I found four entries particularly strong, but Tunundra Valley had the hinted back story and wondered future that made it live beyond the page. It gave me a chill - what if we never went back? I’m sure many of us have the same thought during lockdown. Real, unaffected and affecting writing. Bravo!’

Judge’s comments: Mark Smith – author of Road to Winter

“I was impressed by the high standard of entries and particularly liked the way writers interpreted the theme in a variety of ways. “

“The winning entry was a thoughtful and polished piece of writing that paid attention to the small details of life in isolation – and had a terrific twist in the tail!”

Judge’s comments: Surf Coast Shire Councillor Margot Smith (Deputy Chair of the Geelong Regional Library Board)

“Such a delightful experience to judge these stories. So much talent in the region. Some left me begging for more, some left me in tears and for others I was laughing out loud. Ben’s story was so well paced, carefully crafted to get you into the story and the twist at the end was ingenious. I loved it.”

Bolinda Audio are kindly supporting this short story competition by donating an audio book to each entry.