So a belated announcement this week, as we waited patiently for the judges to get their votes in. I suppose you feel for them. It was a close short list, with not much to separate the submissions in terms of quality or adherence to the topic.

In the end there can only be one winner though. Congratulations go to:

Debb Bouch!

 

This is Debb’s first win at Needle In The Hay, though her submissions are often in the top three. Debb wrote another excellent and engaging story which the judges found “funny, eloquent, and just weird enough to stand out.”

So thanks to all our submissions, and a big welcome to Alex and Nicolas, who made their first short lists this week. Make sure to check out our latest award, and whatever you do, keep writing!