The grand prize winner of The Smokey is automatically nominated for The Best Small Fictions, The Pushcart, Best of the Net, and any other prize we deem appropriate. The grand prize winner will be paid $2500.
My mother and Naina treated me like an emperor; there was no scolding or reprimand. My mother often remarked that I should have been born in a mansion, but instead, I ended up being born in that slum. Education was nowhere to be seen in her family – only one brother among my mother’s eleven siblings received an education.
“Blindsighted” is a masterclass in suspense. Slaughter expertly builds tension with each passing chapter, leading the reader down a labyrinth of twists and turns. Just when you think you’ve unravelled the truth, Slaughter throws another curveball, keeping you guessing until the very last page.
11 Oracles by Anish Kanjilal is a poignant collection of 11 poems. The poetry ranges from long to medium reading timeline, however, it shuttles between various themes pertaining to human existence and veil of illusion and ignorance under which this race is advancing and progressing.
Tanmay Sharma uses evocative words to convey a sense of danger and intrigue. Words like “perilous,” “desperate,” “shadows,” and “spine chilling” set the tone for an action-packed adventure.
The Book of Sevens: the Mountains by A R Vikram is a Triumph in the Adventure Fantasy Genre. A Brilliantly Written Epic Novel for Teenagers and Parents alike.
Because I have Telugu, Burmese, and Tamil ancestry, my East Asian friends often inquire whether I am from Thailand or Burma. Perhaps in my face they see the images of all these dead.
‘The Ocean Within’ is an enlightening and mind-triggering work by Binh Ngolton. His insights dive extensively into the field of psychology as well as the human condition. ‘The Ocean Within’ offers a comprehensive psychological framework and provides a unique insight into a variety of important concepts
Featured Book Review – In Search of the Lambs and Other Stories by Divyank is a Collection of Ten Short Stories.
Vanilla Loves and Dusky Lives by Kritika G Soin is a Collection of 10 Short Stories that Reflects the Dual Shades of Love.
So the death of my father is now fodder for a story. This is the story of the writer in me walking all over my Naina’s life, and maybe his corpse too, and putting the journey into words. ‘Ordinary’ ethical frameworks can’t apply to a writer who walks on the ‘corpses’ of others.
The Water Veil by Nikhil D. Hegde is captivating novel that offers a roller coaster ride in Leela’s life and her endeavors to pay honor her ancestral pride in a hidden valley among mystical waterfalls.
Sharma’s writing style is imbued with a sense of wonder and reverence for the natural world, inviting readers on an enchanting journey through the cosmos. Her prose is evocative and lyrical, painting vivid landscapes that shimmer with the ethereal glow of the stars
Charu Niveditha is a prolific writer. Bold, unapologetic and defiantly truthful wordsmith. His work has stirred up stagnant social settings, melted down the clouds of norms and mores, and boiled the wrath of the conventional schools of thought. With all of that, millions of readers have gathered around him from all over the world.
At the heart of “Phantoms” lies its characters, richly drawn and imbued with depth. Sheriff Bryce Hammond, with his enigmatic demeanour, serves as a guiding force amidst the chaos, while Dr Jennifer Paige embodies resilience in the face of unimaginable horror.
The five-day extravaganza of the Ceylon Literary Festival comes to an end tomorrow, leaving attendees with a bittersweet farewell as they reminisce on insightful discussions, captivating stories, and vibrant cultural experiences. As the closing chapter approaches, the festival’s impact resonates deeply, painting a vivid picture of Sri Lanka’s literary landscape and its unwavering spirit.
As the sun rises on the fourth day of the Ceylon Literary Festival, attendees will experience a sense of enrichment and inspiration. The festival’s commitment to fostering creativity and cultural exchange continued to shine brightly in the heart of Colombo.
The coincidental meeting of two lovers captures the alluring, unpredictable nature of fate in both fiction and reality. The instant two souls collide, whether it be by a quick gaze across a packed room or an apparently random encounter in an ordinary setting, ignites a spark that begins a growing passion.
The festival’s third day will also feature a captivating lineup of predominantly international authors engaging in enlightening conversations. These cleverly themed curated sessions will delve into contemporary topics such as body image’s role in literature, the allure of murder mysteries, or the intricacies of screenwriting.
The second day of the Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival (CLF) will unfold tomorrow (09th Feb 2024) at Suisse Hotel Kandy with more engaging panel discussions and a captivating exploration of Helga’s Folly, a fan favourite unique venue with art and rich history.
The Asian Review 