WINNER
Susannah Lash. I am delighted to announce that the winner of the Hen Run chapbook competition 2025 is Susannah Lash. From forty plus entries, many of which were excellent contenders, hers stood out in its originality. With acuity of observation and insight leavened with dry humour, her exploration of complex and sometimes difficult subjects were concisely but thoughtfully and imaginatively dealt with. This poet knows how to celebrate – with bravura – small triumphs and setbacks overcome. And with no redundant or wasted words but plenty of atmosphere, the poems felt galvanized with energy, sharp and clean.
THE RUNNERS-UP
Alongside Susannah in a shortlist of five were Claire Lynn, Frances Malaney, Eliza Mood and Rebecca Zeman. All strong challengers whose poems made me wish there could be multiple winners. Huge thanks to everyone who submitted their work and gave me much to enjoy and ponder over. I wish you every success in the future – keep writing!
Joy Howard
January 2025