After a great deal of agonising, I've finally decided on the winners of the "This is Fantasy!" competition, started months ago, which finished at the end of June. I must say the decision was incredibly difficult, as the majority of entries could have all taken first place. I kid you not. In fact, in lieu of such awesome standards, TWO people will be walking away with first prize! The stories were all good in their own right - and I'm sure you'll agree, should you take the time to read them. And I strongly urge you to read them all.

Without further ado:

First place goes to Fred-S-Kaed for the story Daddy Don't Ever Die on a Friday found via this [link]


This story captured me from the very start, with the unusual style, great use of structure and language, but the icing on the cake is the page layout, which includes pictures! Read the blurb at the bottom of the deviation too to discover some interesting facts about how the idea all came together. Truly this person is ready to publish their own book with such a beautiful deviation. Well done and congratulations, I am impressed, and look forward to reading more from this deviant.

Prize: One year subscription

The OTHER first place goes to Stardestroyr for the story Coldest found via this [link]


First place was originally only going to one person, but I couldn't resist. This short story could easily be part of a larger whole. The characterisation and interactions are portrayed to perfection, and I find myself regarding these characters as a holy mythology, something I wouldn't want to try myself for fear of not doing them justice. Stardestroyr does do them justice. While it doesn't break the mould of stereotypes quite the way I was hoping for, I love it regardless!

Prize: One year subscription

Second place goes to texas-flood for his untitled story found via this [link]


Here is a story that was so clever with words I had to ask him what it was all about! I'm not the brightest reader when writing gets complex, but I was so blown away by this I felt it deserved a placing in the top three. And the deviant is only 13 years old! You really must read this aloud to experience this story at its finest. The imagery, minimalist conversation, and blurring of what's real and what isn't make this a mesmerising read that no fantasy fan should go without. Not understanding what's going on, and trying to figure it out for yourself, is half the fun! This writer is well and truly on their way to writing for a living.

Prize: Three month subscription

Third place goes to TheStorageGnome for the story From the Desk Of ... found via this [link]


Yet another story (or should I say letter? ) that could have taken first place. A quality read that takes the perspective of an evil Emperor - not something that's delved into often enough, in my opinion. It's wordy, it's captivating, it actually sounds like something an evil emperor would write. It has segments that are quite quotable, some that are scary, others that are humorous. Ultimately it's entertaining, and something everyone should read if they plan to put a villainous empire-type leader into their novels/short stories. Even I can learn something here. Well done!

Prize: Surprises from your favourites list under Devious Info!


Honorable Mentions

A Good Joke by Katsa2009
Found via this [link]


Now here is something you won't read about every day: elves on a starship! You are guaranteed not to see the surprise ending coming in this spiffy little story. When it comes to breaking the mould, this story does just that. But while it does so better than other winning entries, it does have an unfinished feel to it that suggests it needs some refining and polishing. Thank you for this!

Prize: The book On Writing by Stephen King will be mailed out to you!

Interrupted Drinking... by Fidecen
Found via this [link]


Last but not least is a story about a half-elf at a tavern, with a surprise ending that may just put a smile on your dial. The piece is home to some light-hearted humour, and reads well. It could do with some polishing, but it reminds me of a piece I once wrote myself (or, tried to write) when I was doing short story classes several years ago. I threw mine away because I had lots of trouble with it, but this piece has succeeded in giving me some motivation to try it again, and has given me some ideas on character motives, dialogue, and wants as opposed to needs. Thanks for this, I hope you continue to read and write lots to develop your style further.

Prize: The book On Writing by Stephen King will be mailed out to you!



A very special thanks to all that participated in this competition, subscriptions will be bought for winners this Friday. Those that are getting prizes in the mail, please send me a PM with your address details so I can post your prizes to you asap. I wish you all the best of luck with your writing! Keep at it!