What a great night we were treated to last night at the Mercure. It was SAW success night and boy there were a few!
Firstly, Fiona Atchison’s winning Flash fiction was read by Maggie Bolton. This was a beautifully written piece that told of two people, homeless in the bitter city, both drawn to a church where they were given food, warmth, and a feeling of being human again.
Susan McVey then read her winning Article taking us on a nostalgic horse journey through the changing landscapes within seasons in her Ayrshire countryside. Graphic descriptions addressed all senses with flora and fauna while painting beautiful scenes including a ‘tunnel of green.’
Helena Sheridan read her Under 7s story, Hetty the Yeti, a hilarious tale of a lonely yeti who wanted friends. We were taken through Hetty’s journey of making herself attractive to its potentially disastrous result but as in all good stories, all was good in the end.
Matt Richardson treated us next to his 2nd Place Novel, an atmospheric tale of digital detox. We were captivated from the beginning and as the characters were introduced I, for one, just want to know what happens in the Lewis lighthouse. Intriguing with poetic description.
Linda Brown read her Humorous Short Story ‘Finding the Right Muffin’ which she didn’t consider funny. Come on, Linda, this hilarious tale of characters in a hippy, Nutter family and its young Hamish sleuthing to find a grandfather was well worth its award.
After tea break, Bernadette Wardrop read her Commended poem, ‘Two Cats’ which was a humorous take on feline and canine characters, with a possible offensive ending warning which made us laugh out loud. Great result for B’s first SAW experience.
Susan McVey gave us a flavour of her Short Story, ‘Packed and Ready to Go’ as she had no copy with her. What a story, not packing for a holiday, not in Susan’s world. This is a gritty, humorous tale that we need to hear at a later date!
Lastly, I read my Highly Commended poem, ‘To a Thistle,’ an appreciation of our national flower. I then read the original poem, ‘Tae a Thistle’ in Scots and from feedback this was the preferred choice.
The evening rounded off with President, Fiona, challenging us to write a REALLY bad review of a piece of writing. Who knew there were so many of us who could bring out their nasty side? Cruel and no punches held, they were hilarious!
As I said, a great night!
Greta Yorke