Monster
Problems

Just like the delivery driver when you step out for five minutes during their 14-hour drop-off window, our very first Whimsy has come and gone. Over the past few weeks, I’ve read more than 200 monstrous little tales, full of craft, imagination, and, of course, whimsy.

There were cameos from the classics, those big of foot and sharp of tooth and, to be Frank, of the Ness. We had human monsters. Godly monsters. Metaphorical monsters (capitalism, vanity, jealousy, et al). Monsters—and dachshunds—of unforgettable proportions. There were germs, sentient sunglasses, possessed goats, Squonk (how I love thee), puddles trying to make a go of it, and alien invasions interrupting pint-time. Also, Manhattan-eaters, undatable-Keggers, asteroid-flingers, gargoyles (not always made of stone), grannies (and grandmoths), witches, creatures of the void, small towns with strange traditions (and gongs to polish), Herbert the Dragon, Mr Fluffybutt(!), and, er, those whose butt is “their business.”

All that is to say, I created Whimsy with the hope of showing and celebrating how varied and wonderful whimsical story telling can be. How we can explore rich themes and unique perspectives in a range of voices we might not normally associate with them. And that we can have a mighty fine time while doing it. After just one contest, you’ve all shown that to be true many times over.

So, without further ado, I am absolutely delighted to share with you our first ever group of selected stories. These little tales stood out for the skill and creativity with which they captured the vast possibilities of whimsy.

We have an enormous, invisible monster trudging through a world that’s too small for them. A six-year-old whose older brother is both her hero and, well, a radish. A hilariously voicey swamp monster (“swomp fing”) in therapy, striving for a better life. A stunning cosmic riff about the phases of the moon and the cat who brings them about. And finally, for this month’s Spotlight Story, 300 wonderful words in the company of a steady-digging couple trying to get to the bottom of the rumble beneath their garden. It's charming, characterful, and quintessential cosy. We’re chuffed we get to publish it!

I also want to say a big congratulations to our honourable mentions. Your stories were none short of brilliant. But alas, there could only be five. We’ll be in touch shortly about inclusion in this year’s anthology alongside our selected stories. We’ve also got our eyes on a few extra entries from this month’s contest and will be in touch with those writers, too.

Finally, the time has come to unveil the Wall of First Lines. Bravo to our first ever inductee, whose opening line is a masterful example of painting a vivid image through a few carefully chosen words.

Thank you all for joining us. We'd love to see you again for the next Whimsy!

– Timothy Hayes (aka timmytimtimothy)