This year's Book a Break short story competition was the third. And the last. The competition won't be held again. As a competition, it was quite unique as regards the prize to be won - a four-day stay at our house in Provence, where I did my best to provide the sort of hospitality befitting for a guest and prize-winning writer. The three winners, Ingrid Jendrzejewski (2016), Sherry Morris (2017) and Laura Theis (2018) were all wonderful guests, and I can confidently say that their stay with us was enjoyed by all concerned.
Why then is the competition stopping? The main reason is the very uniqueness of the prize. I might be forgiven for thinking that I'm a hugely popular person, given the number of visitors to our house. Curiously, though, my popularity seems to be in perfect accord with the sunlight - at its glorious height in the summer, virtually nonexistent in the winter. What this means is that organising a stay, even for four nights, becomes a logistical exercise to rival an expedition to the Pole. I could of course tell the winner that the prize is only available from December to February, but it wouldn't be the best way of attracting submissions. It can get to -8° where we live, so a meal in the garden or a dip in the pool might lose their appeal somewhat.
But it was, as they say, good while it lasted. From the submissions to the competition, the best stories were selected to compile an anthology. I learnt a lot about editing and publishing, read some excellent stories, and made the acquaintance of many talented writers from all over the world. The proceeds from the anthologies go the Against Malaria Foundation, which has thus distributed over 200 insecticide-treated mosquito nets in Africa, protecting over 400 people for up to three years. Malaria is an eradicable disease and I'm glad to have contributed to combatting it thanks to the Book a Break competition.
And the contribution continues, because the anthologies are still available: Cat Tales (2016), With Our Eyes Open (2017) and Second Taste (2018).
And I now have my own page on the Against Malaria website, where you can donate directly the sum of your choice. Forward their thank you email to me (curtis.bausse(at)outlook.com), specifying which book(s) you want and your preferred format. I will send you the file(s) straightaway.
Your work on this competition, and for writing, has been most admirable, Curtis. I enjoyed being part of it and wish you the very best. Thanks. Kevin.
Thanks, Kevin. It’s been good fun and an enriching experience, with plenty learnt that I’ll carry over into new projects. Among them – in a few months maybe – a Best of the Book a Break, in which your own story will certainly feature!
Thank you, Curtis. I look forward to owning a copy.
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