Here are the winning and highly commended entries in the 2025 Roly Sussex Short Story Competition.
To read a story click on its title. To read the notes, click on “Judges’ notes”.
Open Division
Chief Judge of the Open Division David Fagan said: “The writers dug deep to explore themes that go to the heart of all our lives, successfully portraying the very real daily dramas of life and the dilemmas that accompany them. The winning entries each told a story and told it concisely, barely wasting a word and holding the reader from beginning to end.”
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First Prize |
Serena Moss |
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Second Prize |
Natalie Sprite |
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Judges’ Commendation |
Gil Liddle |
The Colours of Sand Not published |
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Judges’ Commendation |
Jay McKenzie |
Douce Sirène Not published |
Secondary School Division
The Chief Judge of the Secondary School Division, Mr Brian Clarke, said: “In the 78 stories this year, our secondary division writers explored numerous diverse themes, such as family relationships, loneliness, peer pressure, ethics, survival and guilt. We commend them for their individual insights into life and for their work in developing such an exciting array of storytelling styles.
Most submissions showed a good understanding of the short story format. Some writers ventured into difficult territory – fantasy, historical fiction and gothic fiction, where mystery, horror and dark emotions lure readers into uncertain worlds, and where personal morality is determined by sinister forces.”
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First Prize |
Charlotte Serisier |
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Second Prize |
Tara Moghbelpour |
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Judges’ Commendation |
Emily Smith |
The Final Stitch Not published |
This year’s judges for the Open Division, chaired by author and retired newspaper editor David Fagan, are Kerry Davies (editor and publishing consultant) and Erica Fryberg (author and previous winner of this competition). The judges for the Secondary School Division, chaired by writing consultant and editor Brian Clarke, are Talisa Pariss-Proby (communication and arts educator) and Georgie Steele (freelance copy and creative writer).