Successes
SAW winners 2008
Every year writing clubs from all over Scotland convene at Erskine for the Scottish
Association of Writers conference. As well as top-level speakers, there are many
competitions. Ayr Writers’ Club did particularly well this year, scooping three trophies.
Some of its members got honourable mentions in practically every category available. Given
that the conference is attended by over 170 writers, this is no mean feat and is a reflection
of the high calibre of writing displayed by AWC members.
Alison Craig won top prize for her book review. This is only the second year that
the May Marshall trophy has been on offer. AWC’s Catherine Lang, who won it last year, came
third this time. Alison also had success with her short stories, as both her general short
story and her one for the women’s market were commended. Janice Johnston’s entry in the
latter category was commended, too, while her one for children under 7 was runner up for the
Writers’ News Trophy.
Current president Fiona Atchison won the Helen and Bob Orr Trophy for a fantasy story in its
inaugural year.
The club was particularly pleased that it took both first and second place in the Dorothy
Dunbar Trophy for poetry, as the beautiful rose bowl was originally donated by one of the
founder members of Ayr Writers’ Club. Helen Sheridan was second, while the top slot went to
Michael Malone. It wasn’t his only success of the weekend - he got third place in the
Constable Trophy for a General Novel and commended in the Crime Novel category with a
different piece of writing. Long time member of the club, Marion Montgomery, was third in
the T C Farries competition for a children’s novel.
In the humorous article category, both Ann Burnett and Frances Smith were commended, while
Rowena M Love’s general article got the same level of mention. Fiona McFadzean was Highly
Commended for her drama entry.
The wealth of talent in Ayr Writers’ Club makes it an excellent choice for those with an
interest in writing – its members’ expertise and helpful advice is freely available to new
members, who are bound to enjoy the friendly welcome too. Come along to Prestwick Community
Centre on a Wednesday night from 7.30 pm and find out for yourself.
List of winners and prizes, with their home locations in brackets
1st Poetry - Michael Malone (Ayr)
1st Book Review - Alison Craig (Dalry)
1st Fantasy Story - Fiona Atchison (Crosshouse)
2nd - Poetry - Helena Sheridan (Kilmarnock)
2nd - Under 7s - Janice Johnston (Mauchline)
3rd - Book Review - Catherine Lang (Irvine)
3rd - Constable Trophy (General novel) - Michael Malone (Ayr)
3rd - T.C. Farries Trophy - Marion Montgomery (Kilmarnock)
Highly Commended - Drama - Fiona McFadzean (Ayr)
Commended - Scholarship (Humorous Article) - Ann Burnett (Ayr) and Frances Smith
(Irvine)
Commended - Pitlochry Award (Crime Novel) - Michael Malone (Ayr)
Commended - Woman's Short Story - Janice Johnston (Mauchline) and Alison Craig (Dalry)
Commended - General Article - Rowena Love (Troon)
Commended - General Short Story - Alison Craig (Dalry)
From left to right: Rowena Love, Janice Johnston, Catherine Lang, Alison Craig, Helena Sheridan, Marion Montgomery, Ann Burnett, Fiona Atchison, Fiona McFadzean
171 delegates attended SAW 2008. 586 entries this year compared to 548 the previous year.
800 Words, by Ayr Writers’ Club,
Edited by Ann Burnett and Rowena M Love - ISBN 0-9547084-5-8