Paddy O'Connell, chair of the NSSA judges, joins fellow judges Katie Thistleton, Michael Donkor, and Katherine Webber to celebrate the art of short storytelling. They delve into themes like nostalgia, identity, and mortality in this year's entries. Brennig, the first Young Writers' Award winner, shares his insights. The conversation reveals the emotional resonance of short narratives, the craft behind compelling openings, and how fiction can address societal issues—offering a vibrant tribute to both established and emerging literary talents.
