This year’s competition attracted a strong field of submissions, showcasing creativity, imagination and powerful storytelling from writers across the region and beyond. Our judges have carefully considered each entry and selected a shortlist that reflects the incredible talent on display and our chosen theme: Echoes of Winter.

The shortlisted stories are available to read below, with winners to be announced at the Words Out West Festival Days! 

Congratulations to all of our finalists, and thank you to everyone who submitted their story! We look forward to celebrating your work as part of Words Out West.