Sex and Writing

Creative nonfiction finalists and winner announced on theme of 'secrets'

Sex in one way or another was a key subject in many of the stories submitted for the creative nonfiction category of our ‘Wild Atlantic Writing Awards’ on the theme of ‘secrets.’

From a clandestine love affair to erotic literature, from herpes to an undercover policeman posing as a prostitute.

Why sex?

Good question.

Let’s delve into sex in literature a little.

First of all, sex is considered ‘the forbidden fruit.’ It’s one of the oldest ‘you’re not supposed to talk about this’ topics so it naturally ends up in the secret-box. And sex isn’t just physical—it links to many aspects of self including identity, desire, shame, power, vulnerability… all the juicy stuff we humans wrestle with.

So sexual secrets are fertile ground for colorful plots. When a character reveals a sexual secret, it lands hard. It hits the emotional jackpot.

But not all entries in the WAWA nonfiction category were about sex.

Story subjects also included depression, self-realisation, abuse, murder, ageing and alcoholism.

While humor was rare in submitted stories, the theme not being overly conducive to that, there were some subjects that leaned towards the black variety.

Location of stories also varied greatly, from a graveyard to a war zone, a children’s concert hall to a commercial plane, a garden to a hospital bed, a classroom to a sports field.

All in all, intriguing and entertaining nonfiction reads for our judges to savor.

For which we at ‘Ireland Writing Retreat’ would like to sincerely thank everyone who entered this WAWA competition. Even if your story did not make it to the finalist stage, consider that it may have come very close. So, please don’t give up. Entering competitions is one of the best ways to sharpen your creative writing skills. 

You can also avail of our special discount to have your stories edited by authors who will help you improve your work so it has an even better chance of winning future competitions. See details above. 

Please also note our BLACK FRIDAY offer described below, for the first three applicants for our upcoming 'blues skies' writing retreat among bucolic rolling hills and vineyards in beautiful southern France in March.

Apply now for the South of France Writing Retreat HERE.

With all that in mind, here is the final decision of our competition judges.

Finalists for the Creative Nonfiction Category of WAWA on the theme of 'Secrets' are: 

Barbara Bridger with ‘Lying Dogs,’ Benjamin L. Graham with ‘The Things We Keep From The Ones We Love,’ Fidelma Kelly with ‘Larry,’ Jillian Godsil with ‘Research Purposes Only,’ Julie Moore with ‘Borrowed Hearts,’ Katrina White with ‘Workin’ It,’ Niamh Hammel with ‘Rising,’ Shelley Arnfield with ‘A Chance Encounter,’ Susan C Tunney with ‘Full Disclosure,’ Teresa Preziosi with ‘Brief Encounter.’

And the Winner of the Creative Nonfiction Category of WAWA on the theme of 'secrets' is: 

Jillian Godsil with ‘Research Purposes Only’

Good news is that the winner and finalists will all receive discounts on any of our writing retreats next year starting with our tantalising ‘blue skies’ retreat in southern France, taking place in March.

The winner will receive 500 euro in cash or a voucher worth 1,000 euro redeemable towards any one of our retreats, including France.

All finalists will receive a 10% discount, amounting to 265 euro*, for any of our international writing retreats in 2026, as long as they finalise their registration no later than December 31st this year.

*Discount cannot be combined with any other offer.