Driving out of a cavernous IKEA car park a couple of months ago I glimpsed a fleeting movement in the shadows. This prompted me to think about abandoned landscapes and I really liked the idea that such “dead space” might contain life known to none other than those inhabiting it.

The tale of the three sisters who feature in my story “The Shape of Freedom” emerged from that tiny scrap.

“The Shape of Freedom” was recently awarded first place in the 2013 Peter Cowan 600 Short Story Competition (only open to stories with a maximum of 600 words).

The Peter Cowan Short Story Competition was launched in 2010 and honours Peter Cowan (1914 – 2002) — one of Western Australia’s most esteemed writers and academics. He published several volumes of short fiction and was named a Western Australian State Living Treasure in 1999.

This year’s judge, Dr Maureen Helen, completed her Doctor of Philosophy (Writing) degree at Edith Cowan University. She has published short stories, book reviews and a variety of pieces including travel pieces and poetry. Her memoir and first book, Other People’s Country, was included in the long list of best non-fiction books for the 2008 Walkley Awards for Excellence in Journalism.

Dr Helen’s report gives a good snapshot of my story:

This was one of the first stories I read and as well as scoring it on the matrix [for character, setting, plot, conflict, theme, dialogue and competent writing], I attached to the cover page a sticky note which read, “Oh! Wow!”

After reading all entries, my opinion had not changed. This is a beautifully crafted story by a writer who has refined the piece until there is not a wasted word and those that are left work hard. Rich descriptive language augmented by precise metaphors paint a picture of people, place and action that enchants.

The story tells of three young Chinese women who have migrated to Australia. Trained as acrobats, their talents are wasted in their new country as they staff checkouts, scan goods and confirm customer loyalty cards. In their tea-breaks, they repair to a car park.

Hidden in the gloom these exquisite young women perform just one stunt. When it is over, “They straighten their uniforms, moisten their lips with clear gloss and set their smiles to low beam.”

There are a surprising number of characters in this story, shadows who add depth. This is an outstanding entry. I look forward to reading the published work of this writer in the future.

If you’d like to read “The Shape of Freedom” use the Contact form and I’ll be in touch.