Lift-off: my first story in print

In my previous post of November 09, I spoke about making it through to the finals in the Fiction Category of the Aesthetica Creative Works Competition 2010. To my further excitement, I have now discovered that my selected entry has been published in the Aesthetica Creative Works Annual 2011. 

Aesthetica is a British-based art and culture publication that engages with contemporary art and culture both in the UK and internationally, combining dynamic content while exploring the best in emerging and established contemporary arts and design. Established in 2002, Aesthetica Magazine is stocked in WH Smith, prestigious locations such as Tate Modern, Serpentine, and National Portrait Gallery, and in March 2008 the company added a second publication to its fold, the Aesthetica Annual.

The Aesthetica Creative Works Annual 2011 is available in galleries and independent retailers nationwide. It can also be purchased or downloaded from www.aestheticamagazine.com,  and will showcase the very best in new artistic and writing talent. The Annual has been comprised of the winning entries of the Aesthetica Annual Creative Works Competition, which received an astounding 4000 entries.

Now in its third year, the Competition attracts entries from across the world, and engages with 4000 writers and artists, providing them with the opportunity to showcase their work to Aesthetica’s readers.

Aesthetica Editor and one of the judges, Cherie Federico had this to say:

“This year’s competition was incredible. I was thrilled by the quality of entries, equally, I had to make some tough decisions, and I spent a considerable amount of time contemplating each piece of work. The work included in this year’s Creative Works Annual is compelling, and acts as a signifier of our times. There is so much to take away from it. I would like to offer my warm congratulations to the winners and finalists.”

With three categories for artwork, poetry, and fiction, the Aesthetica Competition was judged by Cherie Federico, Creative Writing lecturer Dr Kate North, and writer and editor Rachel Hazelwood. Cherie Federico says: “I think I can speak for all the judges when I say that the entries were of an extremely high calibre. We actually had to extend the judging period for a week and a half because whittling the works down to a final 96 proved a huge deliberation, but it’s really encouraged me to continue championing new talent and encouraging creativity in everyone. There was huge potential in so many of the works which Rachel, Kate and myself saw and I would like to urge all the competition entrants to continue developing their considerable talents.”

• Aesthetica Magazine is published bi-monthly and is available through WH Smiths, University Bookshops and Galleries.
• The 2011 Aesthetica Annual Creative Works Competition will open later this month for entries of poetry, fiction and artwork.
• Cherie Federico, Editor of Aesthetica Magazine, is available for comment on behalf of the Competition judges.