Results for Latrobe City Libraries 'Power of Words' writing competition have been announced, with Grampians-based writer Francoise Thornton-Smith's lyrical story The Return of Mouse Braveheart taking top honours. Second prize was awarded to Sri-Lankan born Australian writer Suzi Mezei with her story Affinity and third place to Traralgon writer Danica Stevens. The winner receives a prize of $500.
The competition was opened at the Latrobe Literary Festival in May and attracted entries from around Victoria, as well as New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia.
Mayor of Latrobe City, Councillor Kellie O'Callaghan said the many entries impressed not only in their creativity but in their diversity.
"Inspired by local photographs that highlighted the beauty and depth of Latrobe City as a vibrant place to live and visit, the entered stories explored the towns and paddocks, the idylls and industries of our region. The judges had a difficult job selecting the winning and highly commended stories.
"The winning stories dealt with big themes of family, mental illness, redemption and forgiveness and they did it with beautifully crafted words, surprising plot twists and tender character development.
"We congratulate the winning writers for providing us with stories that weave drama into the fabric of Latrobe City. We also congratulate everyone who entered because having the courage to draft, finalise and submit a story is to be commended," Cr O'Callaghan said.
A collection of the winning stories and inspiration photographs will be published by Readers Emporium, available from the book shop and Latrobe City Libraries. A presentation event was held at Traralgon Library on Thursday 17 November to celebrate the results.
The winning stories, author biographies and further information will be available at www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/library
Results
First place: The Return of Mouse Braveheart by Francoise Thornton-Smith
Second place: Affinity by Suzi Mezei
Third place: 365 by Danica Stevens
Highly commended: That Sea of Stars by Kate Pozzobon
Highly commended: Weather Management by Georgie Waters
