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

Autumn 2020 results

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

First Place ($400)

David Vernon, ACT: Wiped Out

Second Place ($100)

Jeff Taylor, NZ: Bad Skin Day

Third Place

Kerry James, VIC: How Exciting It Must Be to Travel Like You Do

Highly Commended

Tony Cartwright, NSW: My Yoda's Got Blue Eyes

Geoff Covey, QLD: In Darkest Africa

Alan Hewett, VIC: Manners Maketh the Man

Commended

Sue Clayton, NSW: A Fine Malt

Heather MacKenzie, QLD: Moondance

Edward Burger, VIC: He Who Has Butter on His Head

Geoff Covey, QLD: Christmas Peace, Joy and Brussels Sprouts to All Men!


There were 61 short stories in the competition, from 47 entrants.