"Flip It" by Jennifer Turney— Our June 2021 Gold Medal Winner

Jennifer Turney is our first place winner from the contest posted in our June, 2021 issue and her story will be published in the September 2021edition. Congratulations, Jennifer!

What the judges had to say:

“A visually strong and memorable flash fiction story.”

“...a remarkable amount of intimacy in such a short space. I appreciate the way the writer used the prompt photo as a metaphor, instead of drawing their story directly into the image - that was unique and fun! ”

“Heartfelt, wholesome, and motivational.”

“This author deftly manipulated melancholy and hope, which is no easy feat.”

Meet Jennifer

Jennifer Jennifer is a writer from Huntsville, Ontario. She has had short stories published in various literary magazines (including Blank Spaces!), online and in print, and is currently enjoying the variety that comes with being a freelance writer.

Jennifer is a 7-time participant of the Muskoka Novel Marathon and has won the award for Best Manuscript two years in a row, writing both YA and Adult Fiction respectively. When she isn't writing, she can be found playing board games or hiking with her family, digging in her gardens or enjoying an almost meditative peace at the Dokan Karate dojo as she trains for her Black Belt.

Flip It

an excerpt of Jennifer’s winning story

So little, we remember.

His wispy comb over. The light scent of cigarette smoke from the darts he taught me to roll when Grandma was away. His white t-shirts with stretched collars and grease-stained hems. Fearless hugs that lifted me miles off the ground. The mischievous smirk when he offered chocolate soup for lunch instead of what was already on the stove.

But not his voice. Not his eyes or his height compared to mine. Those things faded completely while others lingered and tickled my memory, teasing and clouded on the edges.

I fight to keep one alive, vivid and breathing, by sketching the design as I remember it. It's never quite perfect. How could it be? I never looked at it with the purpose of committing it to stone.

From his time in the war, something never talked about, he forever wore an inked lion on his forearm. It was fierce; its teeth bared and eyes wild.

I liked to imagine I was petting it, that it allowed me and only me, as Grandpa slept in his easy chair. His light snores were the cat purring as I ruffled the mane of his arm hair.

…

to read the rest of the story, order your copy of the September 2021 issue. 

Want to get to know Jennifer ever better? She participated in one of our Coffee Chat interviews and shared some great insights!