| AND THE WINNERS ARE ... |
Our – launched in early November 2008 – has come to a successful close. We received 155 valid entries and the quality of writing was very high. It is with great pleasure that we announce the ten winning stories, which will be published by IANOS Publications. The ten writers will also have the opportunity to take part in a series of creative writing workshops led by Gazmend Kapllani (writer and journalist, TA NEA newspaper). The ten winning stories (in assessment order) are: - Sign on the Arm («Σημάδι στο Μπράτσο») by
- The Door («Η Πόρτα») by
- The Drop («Η Σταγόνα») by
- The Christmas Gift («Ο Μποναμάς των Χριστουγέννων») by
- Backwards Avdi («Ανάποδα Αβντί») by
- The Crease («Η Τσάκιση») by
- 4 Years, 2 Months, 1 Day («4 Χρόνια, 2 Μήνες, 1 Μέρα») by
- Komotini Blues («Το Μπλουζ της Κομοτηνής») by
- Strange Chrysalides («Ξένες Χρυσαλλίδες») by
- Habari Rafiki! by
The amazing response to and interest in the competition are very positive and clearly demonstrate that multiculturalism, and the issues surrounding it, are increasingly relevant to contemporary Greek society. The short stories submitted attempt a multi-faceted – and often surprising and imaginative – approach to the relatively recent (in Greek society) issue of co-existence between people from different cultures and backgrounds with different religions and attitudes. However, we feel we should point out that most of the participants have either only focused on the present day or approached the prospects for the future with puzzlement. In addition, most of the stories are set in Athens, as if there were no pockets of change in the Greek provinces. Selecting the ten winning stories wasn't an easy task. Our final decision was based on the literary value of the stories, the use of language, as well as the originality of the author’s thinking. We hope that this award will be a first step in the winners' literary careers. We urge the rest not to give up. If they feel the flame of creative writing burning inside them, they shouldn't allow the decisions of any panel of judges to discourage them. |
As part of our Living Together project, and in collaboration with TA NEA newspaper and IANOS Publications, we're delighted to announce the launch of our entitled . The aim of the competition is to promote intercultural dialogue.
To enter the competition, send us a short story of up to 2,000 words about life in the city you share with people from different countries, different cultural backgrounds and different religious communities, and how you imagine your common future together. How has living in a multicultural society affected your life? What impact will it have on your future?
You can write your story in either English or Greek and it can be a true or fictional account. The competition is open to all permanent residents of Greece, regardless of age and nationality.
Deadline for submission of entries: 8 January 2009
The panel of judges consists of three writers: Christos Chomenidis, Gazmend Kapllani and Ersi Sotiropoulou.
The 10 best stories will be published by IANOS Publications, and TA NEA newspaper is supporting the competition as a media sponsor.
In addition, the 10 winning writers will be invited to a series of creative writing workshops led by (writer and journalist, TA NEA newspaper). The workshops will focus on the theme of intercultural dialogue.
For further information, please contact us:
