Back in January we launched our first short story writing competition (2500 words maximum). We did this as a reaction to all the negative press that personal finance seems to receive these days. Our objective with this competition was to demonstrate the positive and transformational effects that sensibly considered finance can have on people’s lives. And we were blown away by the range of ideas and the depth of creativity that was shown in the stories that were sent to us.
Sarah’s story takes us straight to the point where our main character is seeking a loan, but leaves us in suspense as to how she plans to use the funds. We liked the characterisation of the old friends as they meet up at a college reunion – some painfully accurate descriptions and observations here! We think we know where this story is heading, but the author is playing with us and has a final twist in store. This was a well-constructed story with a strong, believable narrator and an interesting plot
We’d like to thank all the many, many entrants for their contributions to our first competition and hope that they will consider entering our next writing competition.
While the first competition was focused on personal finance (for reasons mentioned) we expect our next competition to have a broader appeal – watch this space.
Amanda Gillam is Solution Loans's General Manager and has been since 2009. She is also a prolific writer on personal finance issues, and has been quoted numerous times in articles published on 3rd party websites and in press releases. Her...Read about Amanda Gillam
I really enjoyed Allysons story ‘A Bit of a Gamble’ – it actually brought a tear to my eye and a lump in my throat at the end. And what a determined character!
I really enjoyed Sarah Evans’ story. I liked how she put us in the picture straight away about the loan, but then took us back a couple of months, focusing entirely on the reunion supper, allowing us to get to know her character really well, therefore sympathising with her. I was pleasantly surprised by the twist at the end. It made me think good on you Sandy and I really hope it works out well for you! Well done Sarah and congratulations!
I read the runner-up story, “Something New” by Sarah Ann Hall. I found the inter-action between the young couple quite entertaining, humorous at times. I could relate and remember well the times when my wife and I had to make choices between the “must haves” and the “I want it really bad.” Very well written.
We use cookies to make your experience on our site even better. They also help us to understand how you use our site. By clicking 'Accept All' you're agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie preferences by choosing 'Manage Settings' and if you want to know more, you can read our cookie policy.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
I enjoyed all the stories but especially Kit Perkins’. Loved the wee double corkscrew twist in the tale!
I really enjoyed Allysons story ‘A Bit of a Gamble’ – it actually brought a tear to my eye and a lump in my throat at the end. And what a determined character!
I really enjoyed Sarah Evans’ story. I liked how she put us in the picture straight away about the loan, but then took us back a couple of months, focusing entirely on the reunion supper, allowing us to get to know her character really well, therefore sympathising with her. I was pleasantly surprised by the twist at the end. It made me think good on you Sandy and I really hope it works out well for you! Well done Sarah and congratulations!
I read the runner-up story, “Something New” by Sarah Ann Hall. I found the inter-action between the young couple quite entertaining, humorous at times. I could relate and remember well the times when my wife and I had to make choices between the “must haves” and the “I want it really bad.” Very well written.
Well done to Sarah Evans – a great read… so much that will resonate with women approaching 40