Brittle Paperians, your 12 days of festive flash fiction are finally here!

A couple of weeks ago, we asked people to submit a holiday-themed flash fiction piece for a chance to be featured in our 12 Days of Brittle Paper Stories series. Thanks to everyone who submitted a story. We received 120 entries! Your enthusiasm for the competition is very much appreciated. We read every submission and appreciate the different cultures, traditions, religions, and nationalities that influenced and inspired every piece.

After careful review, we are thrilled to announce the top three winners who will receive 100 USD each and the 9 other writers who will be published over the next 12 Days of Brittle Paper Stories. See the list below:

 

Selected Entries for the 12 Days of Brittle Paper Stories Showcase

Winner:  “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Atinuke Odufuye (Nigeria) 

Atinuke’s story is what is expected from a festive tale: carols, sullenness transformed into joy, and a coming-togetherness that makes you feel all giddy inside.

Winner:  “Festival of Lights” by Prenesa Naidoo (South Africa)

A story within a story is how Prenesa showcases the timeless love and joy that embodies Diwali, providing the wholesomeness needed from a festive story time.

Winner: “Mmonwu Festival” by Chinaza Eziaghighala (Nigeria)

Centred on the Igbo Mmonwu Festival, Chinaza’s words dance between the past and present, capturing the essence of family ties and spirituality of this time of year.

“Ugochukwu” by Amara Ozokwelu (Nigeria) 

What is a Christmas tale without some family drama that ends with a heart-warming tinsel covered olive branch? Amara’s story has it all.

“Mary’s Boy Child” by Bryan Okwesili (Nigeria)

Subtle yet sweet notes of love and nostalgia is the way to sum up Bryan’s piece.

“Iowa Days. Abuja Nights” by Elliot John Gyedu (Ghana)

In true modern fashion, Elliot’s story paints a picture of a family located miles apart, experiencing opposite ends of the festive spectrum, but brought together by love and technology.

 “Judas” by Fancy Goodman (Nigeria)

Fancy shows us what happens when the neighbourhood kids grow up listening to Twelve Days of Christmas while you listen to your mentor lecture you on twelve sinister ways.

 “Ojoro Cancel Ojoro” by Fatima Mohammed (Nigeria)

No matter your traditions or religions, December break is a time for childhood antics with your friends and Fatima captures this wonderfully.

“Yohanna K’s White Christmas” by John Lighthouse (Nigeria)

When all you want is to fully embrace the Christmas festivities, it can seem crazy to those around you but, like Yohanna K, it will all be worth it in the end.

 “The Legend of Atta Wa” by Lerato Mahlangu (South Africa)

Bringing life to the myths and legends that form the backbone of celebrations, Lerato crafts the tale of Atta Wa and her legendary form.

 “Forever, Once More” by Obinna Obioma (Nigeria)

Obinna’s story has the traits of a classic Christmas movie, in that it will reach your heart before your eyes, and when it does you will surely tear up a little.

 “Remembering Home” by Joseph Olofinkua (Nigeria)

Joseph’s story is simply beautiful. A short piece about a boy leaving his family behind with a heavy heart while experiencing the festive season in the big city. Just wonderful.

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Tune in every day to see our daily publications that make up the 12 days, as well as our usual weekly publications.