TENSION, suspense and unpredictability were the successful ingredients for the latest winners of the popular GDNlife monthly short story competition.

Student Ann Alina’s entry Beauty isn’t a sign of love in the adult category has already attracted nearly 11,000 views on our unique social media platform and picked up the BD25 prize, which will be waiting for her when she returns to the kingdom on holiday.

“The reasons this was a clear winner was simply down to the good tension created and its unpredictable ending,” said judge Rohini Sunderam, from Bahrain Writers Circle.

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Indian expatriate Ann, originally from Kerala whose family lives in Malkiya, is currently a student of BA Psychology, English Literature at Kristu Jayanti College in Bangalore.

“Thanks to the GDN for giving us the opportunity to learn and improve our own craft,” the 20-year-old said. “Writing was not one of my biggest passions until I was surrounded by people who supported and encouraged me.

“My loving family has been my best supporter throughout my life. My sincerest thanks to all of you!”

In the contest’s U18 category, Sri Lankan schoolgirl Lithesha Elangesan’s entry entitled Reborn won over judge Chris Fenton, head teacher of the British Primary Department at Al Noor International School, who reckons a best-selling author of scary book and film fame had better watch out for this newcomer in years to come.

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“Lithesha, you built the suspense in the story very well and I was eager to know how it was going to end,” he said. “Well done, a Stephen King in the making!”

The 13-year-old student at Al Noor International School lives in Gudaibiya and was delighted with her prize of a pair of Cineco cinema tickets and that more than 1,700 people had enjoyed reading her story.

“I arrived in Bahrain as a single child with my family when I was just nine-months-old; this was because my father had received a job opportunity to work as a civil engineer in Mohammad Jalal & Sons. I also have a little brother.

“This is such a huge achievement, and it means a lot to me. Writing was something I despised, but after hearing about this competition, that perspective changed and I now realise that writing may not be my strongest, but it isn’t my weakest either!

“I will strive to create more entries using this newfound motivation, and hopefully continue to accomplish more.”

Our panel of judges will now concentrate on deciding who should walk away with the annual GDNLife Short Story of the Year prize plaques in both categories after the competition’s second anniversary this March.

The winner of the GDNLife People’s Choice Award – the short story that has received the most views and likes – will also be announced.

You can still enter the contest today for consideration for the regular monthly contest which will resume next month.

April 2022 entries are invited, so get writing up to 800 words today. Register, choose an image, create a title, paste and copy your words in text – and submit to share your work on www.gdnlife.com – clearly stating Adult or U18 entry.

As a result of the contest’s success, there is now a special Short Story section on www.gdnlife.com for visitors to enjoy.

editor@gdnonline.com