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August winners – adult writers
In August, we asked for 50 word fiction stories featuring a feather.
Congratulations to the winners of our August competition. Feeling inspired? Have a go at this month's prompt.
Adult winner
Gillian Paterson
She’s feeding the seagulls. Only the best fish – Waitrose finest cod fillets. You see, she’s gradually realised she can control them. Train them. The birds send her messages. Sometimes scary, sometimes comforting, always important.
In the cloud of feathers she ignores the sound of the new baby, crying alone upstairs.
Gaelic winner
Iain Cumming
“Iteagan smeòraich air feadh an àite! Murtair mòr a th’ annad a Phiseag!”
Coltas an neochiontais oirre.
Iteagan eile ann gach feasgar a thigeadh Mòr dhachaigh. Piseag coma.
Ach Disathairne, siud speireag a’ tuiteam às an adhar. Iteagan a’ sèideadh sa ghaoith. Agus Piseag a’ toirt sùil thuigseach air Mòr.
English translation provided by The Gaelic Books CouncilI
"Thrush feathers all over the place! You're a mass murderer, Puss!"
She looks innocent.
More feathers every afternoon when Mòrag got home. Puss didn't care.
But on Saturday, a sparrowhawk fell from the sky. Feathers fluttering in the breeze. An Puss turned a knowing eye on Mòrag.