Announcing the Winners of the 2021 Raven Short Story Contest!

Rockin’ Ravens

Hear those ravens caw-ling? The day is finally here — it’s time to announce the winners of the 2021 Raven Short Story Contest!

But before you scroll any further, here’s what judge Leo X Robertson had to say about this year’s finalists: In my favourite of these pieces, the plot, setting, characterization, and language align in a great balance to produce something brilliant — and totally unique. It’s strange to rank pieces of fiction that achieve such different goals. Impossible, really. And offering your fiction for this process is a daunting task. But all of you who submitted, you believed in your work. And really, when the rest is out of your hands, that belief is everything. So congratulations, keep up the great work, and all of you please make sure I can read these stories again somewhere soon!

And the 2021 Ravens Are…

Winner

‘A Jar of Marmalade’ by Laura Kuhlmann

Leo’s commentary: Beautiful, unique, great sense of place. Much to think about. I like the central theme also — it’s one I think about a lot. Too often, the notion of ‘motherhood’ is restricted to one’s own biological children, when in fact there are many ways to ‘mother’, and they need not involve raising your own kids. This theme is beautifully addressed in this story, with a fascinating backdrop of Communist-era Romania. Great job!

First Runner-up

‘Gerald Bantam Says Goodbye’ by Hannah van Didden

Leo’s commentary: Unique concept with a brilliant sense of dark humour. Ramps up in absurdism — a very entertaining read. Makes you think about death in a more lighthearted way. Who couldn’t love that?

Second Runner-up

‘Audrey and the Crow’ by Cadence Mandybura

Leo’s commentary: This story considers something I think about often, the notion of how societal constructs are what ‘disable’ people who may well have been specially designed for unique purposes outside our current paradigms. But it also happens to be a great story with a unique central relationship, told lovingly.

Honourable Mention

‘Floaters’ by Kevin Sandefur

Leo’s commentary: [This story] almost made it into my top three. Beautiful, surreal concept, grippingly told.

‘A Jar of Marmalade’ will appear in Issue 34, Spring 2022. And look for the others in future issues of Pulp Literature!

Thank You, All!

Our thanks to final judge Leo X Robertson, for his time and talent, and to all submitting authors for sharing your words and supporting Pulp Literature.

It was a surprise and delight to discover that Leo’s top four are all contributing authors to the magazine! Here’s more from the fabulous four:

Laura Kulmann’s story ‘Glimpse of a Goddess’ was the second runner-up in our 2020 Hummingbird Flash Fiction Prize and appears in Issue 29, Winter 2021.

Hannah van Didden’s story ‘The Lion’ appears in Issue 27, Summer 2020.

Cadence Mandybura’s stories took the top two spots in our 2020 Hummingbird Flash Fiction Prize: ‘The Weeping Pools’ received first place, and ‘River’s Thousand-One Voice’ received first runner-up. Both appear in Issue 29, Winter 2021.

Kevin Sandefur‘s story ‘Out in the Sticks’ was the 2021 Hummingbird Flash Fiction Prize runner-up, and will appear in Issue 33, Winter 2022.