OH, JEFF... The shortlist

What can I say? The results of this challenge have been nothing short of phenomenal. A few weeks ago, I posted a copy of Roy Lichtenstein, Oh Jeff I love you, with a suggestion to complete the story that the artist left hanging with the speech bubble words.

Happy new year to one and all

The beauty of the painting is that it invites us, the audience, to determine what the story is about, who it is about, how it ends. This is exactly what dozens and dozens of Vocal creators have since done, each in their own unique, original and succinct way.

This challenge produced: 57 entries

I started with an initial shift resulting in 31 remaining contenders, despite being quite disciplined and 'harsh' in my assessment. I then reread each of these entries, trying desperately to inject an element of ruthlessness into my shortlisting. I was hoping to end up with seven or eight final contenders, but failed miserably. The reality is that all of these stories were original, gripping, many funny, some sad, but all told the Jeff story in their unique and engaging way.

In the process of shortlisting I also came up with some criteria to assess entries on equal terms:

Met the brief

Engaging, stylish story/verse with start, finish and ending

Original approach

Funny, if meant to be, or horrific, or tragic, sad...

Impactful and preferably unexpected ending

These criteria will also be used to determine the final overall winner who will receive the handsome prize of a $10 tip plus, most importantly, the coveted international award of the Red Lich lips:

There will be other prize tips too. I am hoping to be able to announce a winner in the next few days. Thanks to everyone who has joined in this fun exercise, who has submitted one or more entries, and for the suggestions for stories to add to the shortlist. All very much appreciated.

The shortlisted entries

Kelli Sheckler-Amsden: Not So Stiff Breeze

A beautifully crafted piece of writing in haiku format, original and funny telling the complete story in just 13 words, 17 syllables. Evocative choice of illustration too.

Sam Harty: New Girlfriend for Sam

A truly engaging and uplifting read, with a great moral backbone to the story and what could be a better and happier ending? Sam got the girl, right? A ‘saucy tart’ no less.

John Cox: Art, Money and Balloon Animals

John made, I think, five entries and it was difficult to pick one that shone above all the others. Changed my mind a couple of times and ended up with this one which pitches (romantically) Jeff Coons against Roy Lichtenstein.

Daphsam: Oh Jeff...

Highly original and beautifully crafted verse of love, longing and loss, in this case double, given the unexpected ending.

Antoni De'Leon: The smooth criminal

Completely original writing and so well executed in the form of the Elizabeth Barrett Browning sonnet 43. Not to mention the fabulous use of illustration throughout.

Lamar Wiggins: Shady Acres

Wonderfully written and engaging story taken straight from life, as we can expect from Lamar. Great twist in the tail and leaves a cosy feel at the end.

CONGRATULATIONS: On the TOP STORY Lamar.

Kendall Defoe: True Love

Inventive, original and presents maximum impact with minimum word usage. Great story and worthy entry.

Andy Potts: Getting the bird

Amusing tale with a refreshing new take on an old joke, and an even older song. Original and well thought out.

Rachel Deeming: Don't call me Jeff

Superb, sharp, spare writing bringing out the whole story in just 41 words. Highly entertaining.

JBaz: Texting Drunk

Laugh out loud moment reading this one. Oh the perils of the age of electronic messaging and artificial assistance.

CONSENSUAL RELATIONS: On the TOP STRIPY JBaz LOL

Andrew C McDonald: Panty Raid

Ha, ha, ha, even reading this for the third or fourth time gave me the giggles, not to mention putting me off my lunch. All in just 38 words of ultra-sharp and economical prose. Thankfully not individually illustrated...

Paul Stewart: Ford Fucking Cortina

A slightly off-centre approach, as we might expect from Paul, in this car crash love story. Engaging, telling, and... well... let's be honest, we all knew that Ford Cortina owner, didn't we? Great filthy storytelling. Loved the on-topic illustration too.

Oneg In The Arctic: The Time for Freedom Has Come

I really loved this one. Cheeky (LOL) and life-affirming. What a great way to end this super-powerful list of the bestister of the bestist flash fiction stories on a theme of Oh, Jeff.

Unfortunately, though, that leaves us with a shortlist of 13 and, being ever sensitive to the needs of those who believe in that lucky/unlucky numbers shit, I thought I would use the excuse to slip in one of my own little Jeffs.

The unbearable lightness by Jeff (aka Ray)

Thanks for reading. Any further comments on the final lineup would be very welcome as I now face the impossible task of choosing one that stands above and beyond the rest.

Thanks for the support and I promise I will think about getting this sewn up as soon as.

Ray