FFF Competition Thirty-Two Judge’s Report by Kerri McCourt
28th March 2026
On a snowy March morning, I curled up with a cup of coffee, my dog Cedar, and fifteen superb stories to keep me company. I feel so honoured to have had the privilege of reading and judging these skillfully crafted pieces; thank you very much to Ian Rushton and FFF for the opportunity. It’s been a truly rewarding experience.
I genuinely enjoyed each story on the longlist, recognizing the admirable skill and creativity involved. The Radio at Enryakuji, The Empty Library, and What Vera Says About Stalin are powerful examples of historical fiction. From a temple on a mountain above Hiroshima that survived the bombing, to a Berlin book burning, and to two children gathering mushrooms in a forest during Stalin's reign of terror, each story lingered long after I finished reading. I was especially moved by the contrast between innocence and harsh circumstances, which created stories that pack a punch in just a few words.
I love the distinctive voice of the cleverly written Side Kick; how the language and nods to pop culture create a vivid picture of a special relationship. A mythological retelling is beautifully done in Slaying His Minotaur, and descriptive details like “…her bare feet splash in the cave’s mouth…” are lovely. Present Tense effectively captures grief, and I appreciate that the letter was left “where the light could touch it.” I adore the vulnerability in Not Getting Hysterical, with the automobile analogy running throughout, especially how the medical machines the character is connected to light up like a vehicle’s dashboard.
The Butter Clause was simultaneously sad, amusing, and beautifully descriptive, containing subtle yet impactful subtext and irony—qualities I also greatly appreciated in Sorry Not Sorry To See You Go, where the simple phrase “That’s the kind of person she is” spoke volumes, encouraging reflection on one’s own petty behaviour in gossip-filled, cliquey workplaces, and sowing seeds of empathy.
Shortlisted Stories
The Pledge has a voice so wacky that it immediately captured my attention. I love how this story portrays jealousy, entitlement, and revenge without hesitation, with characters that seem to come alive on the page. From the very first sentence, you get a sense of the character. The unexpected ending made me laugh.
The Man Who Watched The Stars is a gentle, quietly beautiful, and moving story. It tells of a man who has accepted loss in his life, aware that he cannot change it, yet he continues to seek out and cherish the beauty that remains. It is deeply human and elegant in its simplicity. Just as “he tried to carry their light with him, tucked under his ribs,” that’s what stories like this can do.
I love the tender, honest, raw emotion in Trying, a story that explores the relentless grief of infertility. I appreciated the sense of place created through beautiful descriptions like “seal pups on seaweed-slicked rocks,” “diving gannets,” and “artisan salted chocolates.” Her emotion and voracious longing, reflected in the fire’s flames, were wonderful details. I also liked the sense that, during this emotionally volatile time, their relationship maintained a steadiness visible in the words and details the author chose.
Highly Commended
I Wake On Our Tenth Anniversary To A Slate-Grey Saturday and Tom Already Running begins with an intriguing first sentence that piqued my curiosity. Much is revealed beneath the surface through deliberate word choice. We immediately understand there is more going on: (why would she wake up crying?, and the fact that her husband sleeps in another room, the way she ‘weighs everything carefully’). References to the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon are woven effectively through the narrative. Her king fails to fulfill his promise to satisfy her every desire, however, so she ‘jewels herself’ and fantasizes about an adventure of her own to realize them. Her longing for affection is palpable in this rich and layered story. I love its sensuous, beautiful language. The sensory-rich “plunge my arms in sacks of peppercorns and grains of paradise,” and “baste myself with bergamot oil,” as she considers worshipping the sun instead of her ‘king,’ are stunning. The theme remains consistent throughout, making for a satisfying narrative with a great ending.
Once again, with an attention-grabbing opening sentence, Those Glorious Waves delivers a satisfying, moving piece that seamlessly spans a long period, telling a complete and full story. The financial metaphor used throughout is effective, clever, and distinctive. I appreciate the subtle foreshadowing and the full-circle storytelling. I love the little hints like “we were always moving at different speeds” and wondering if Katerina kept the photo. The description of panic and physical sensation in the near drowning is realistic and creates a powerful, beautifully executed contrast to the “sad, stagnant waters” at the end, sinking into what has been lost. I love how the author intertwined the moments of surrender. The rhythm of the prose flows naturally, much like the rise and fall of ocean waves. The ending is strong and satisfying. I felt the profound despair, especially in contrast to the earlier setting of gorgeous waves.
The Winning Story
Penance Plaid took me beyond simply reading about the character’s predicament to actually experiencing it. Creating a piece of flash fiction that immerses the reader deeply in the unmistakable discomfort described is a notable achievement. So much is revealed within this tight, structured space. The condensed, concise style of writing made me feel claustrophobic, echoing the character’s suffocated, trapped emotions, body, and spirit. Reading this, with its packed sentences that leave no room for a breath, was unsettling—exactly the effect intended. The story gripped me, held me tight, and refused to let go. The powerful prose is visceral, revealed through thoughtful word choice and language. Perfection. The author clearly evokes ‘a body trapped,’ ‘buttons and zips hold me in,’ and ‘cuffs and waistbands clutch and choke and constrict my growth,’ which is both physically and emotionally painful to read, while the ‘rebellion’ offers a fresh, relieving sense of freedom from the itchy constriction of imposed rules—and similarly, the structure of the writing ‘breaks the rules’ from tradition. I found myself breaking free, too, coming up for air at the end, cheering the character on because, ultimately, empowerment, freedom, and confident resilience shine through in this convincing, breathless piece. Well done!
Congratulations Everyone!
~ Kerri McCourt