Writing
	August 27, 2026

WON 4th Place in Comedy

Holding It Together – What the Judges Liked

Judge 1: The situation is comical and features a relatable relationship conflict as the central driver (MIL vs DIL). Kevin’s misdeeds are truly head-smacking and help create the momentum that drives the change in the end. So well done! (LOVE it!)

Judge 2: This is such a well-written story with fantastic stakes. The author establishes the central conflict quickly and memorably, and the second paragraph alone conveys so much about Linda’s character and reveals why Paige is so unnerved: “She had already inspected the silverware, the seats, and Paige’s marriage.” Linda’s presence looms over the story so well. I like these sporadic reminders of her judgment, especially as Paige tries to literally hold the buffet table together, which makes for such a great central conflict. I really feel the desperation in her futile efforts to keep the table together, and I absolutely love how the table’s collapse also represents a release from caring about Linda. But I especially love the way in which Kevin heightens the awkwardness in the midst of the buffet crisis. The author has so deftly characterized him, and his less-than-intelligent nature adds to the hilarity so well, especially in his easily misconstrued comments like, “We did it, no one knows” and “you asked for wood.” He plays such a great role as “helper” and exacerbator of tension all in one!

Judge 3:  A great initial draft—definitely something that feels expansive, an engine for storytelling—like reading a sitcom. You’ve managed to pack a lot into this, again, all elements that would work very well if this were to be adapted for screen as a sitcom. A try-hard, persevering, and endearing everywoman protagonist; a dim-witted but well-meaning partner in crime; a dwindling business with some strange quirks and gimmicks that only really make sense to the protagonist; and, importantly, a recognisable and relatable villain, here in the form of the evil mother-in-law. I love all of these elements—they fit nicely, and with some more time and space, I think that they can all be expanded upon and generate more excellent comeyd storytelling. In terms of comedy, much of this comes from the slapstick and chaos, but a good deal from the recognisable, too—the observations about the critical, analysing mother-in-law, especially, but the setting itself is a good stage for quirky humour. The cinder blocks and the stacking, particularly, feel zany—just a recipe for trouble—but part of the gimmick for the character. Lots to think about, but I enjoyed this read—a solid foundation well worth building upon.