The wait is over for this brand-new collection of emotive and tender short stories from the winners of the 2024 Rhys Davies Short Story Award. Selected by Rebecca F. John and edited by Elaine Canning, A Dictionary of Light includes twelve incredibly touching stories by twelve fantastic writers and a beautiful front cover photo taken by Joshua Jones.
Elaine and Rebecca interviewed the winners at Waterstones Swansea for the release of this year’s anthology, discussing inspirations for their writing and what their winning stories mean to them. For Tanya Pengelly, her story was a eulogy in memory of her father. Each dictionary entry of light phenomena, linked to a precious moment in time with her father. Whether he’s a protector, keeping the flimsy family tent from being swept away by the wind, or a proud parent with a tear-stained face at the children’s choir, Tanya captures him fondly in her tender and unique writing.
(Photography credit: Matthew Hughes / Cultural Institute - Swansea University)
A Dictionary of Light also includes brilliant stories from:
Brennig Davies, Morgan Davies, Kamand Kojouri, Dave Lewis, Kapu Lewis, Lloyd Lewis, Polly Manning, Siân Marlow, Keza O’Neill, Anthony Shapland and Jo Verity.
(Photography credit: Matthew Hughes / Cultural Institute - Swansea University)
Submissions for the 2025 edition of The Rhys Davies Short Story Competition have already begun now! So, if you are interested in submitting some of your own writing, be sure to sign up!
There was such a strong sense of community at the Rhys Davies Short Story Awards, with many writers and literature aficionados in attendance; it was amazing to see everyone celebrate this collection of work from such incredibly talented writers! Thank you to Elaine, Rebecca, the writers and the volunteers helping out on such a lovely event, and thank you to Waterstones Swansea for hosting!
(Photography credit: Matthew Hughes / Cultural Institute - Swansea University)
Be sure to pick up a copy of A Dictionary of Light and read the diverse collection of beautiful short stories for yourself!
Professional photography by Matthew Hughes / Cultural Institute – Swansea University.
Matthew Stephen Yan
