Best Jaws Short Stories Of 2020
The Daily Jaws would like to congratulate all of the entrants into this year’s short short challenge. We had over 50 excellent stories, some from pro and semi-pro writers to the absolute beginner. Each story was a unique take on the Jaws universe and all entrants will be published soon for everyone to experience and enjoy.
The Panel & Comments
Warning: These notes contain spoilers.
Ross Williams - Founder, The Daily Jaws (short list editor)
Pacific Overture - young Quint came up a few times as a theme, with each story bringing something new to the legend of the man. Pacific Overture was especially poignant as it drew in Quint’s love for his parents, giving us further background into the tragic path is life would take.
Sweet Dreams In Amity - a look at the mind of Mayor Vaughn through the spirit of Alex Kintner. A great idea, would love to have seen more darkness and psychological repercussions for the mayor.
The Boy - really enjoyed this one. Very richly descriptively - almost felt like I was drowning myself. A wonderful look at one of the key events of young Martin’s life.
The Girl - a couple of entries used Chrissie as the focus. This version really set up the character well and made us empathise with her. Read the story and then watch her opening scene in Jaws. Effective, new way to enjoy this part of the movie.
Through Hendricks Eyes - Nice to see part of the Jaws story as seen through another character’s eyes. Would have been good to see more unique, unseen events leading up to the the connection to the main story thread.
A Plague Of Teeth - loved this story. A modern, relevant take on the shark story that allows us to revisit Hooper and see what he’s been doing since the events of Amity all those years ago.
Dean Newman - Chief Writer, The Daily Jaws
“The girl edges it, but enjoyed simplicity of Hendricks. And the ending was a joy with him seeing Brody and Hooper. Loved the line re Brody wanting some water.”
Jeffrey Kramer - Actor, Deputy Hendricks in Jaws
Pacific Overture——-Interesting story of young Quint. Going off to war and the navy. Imaginative, sounds British, good backstory for the character. I liked the feel and the characters. It has an arc...a beginning and an end.
Sweet Dreams in Amity—— Story of a recurring nightmare of Mayor Vaughn about Alex Kintner and his death. Ok...not really thought out. Could have been a good idea and manifested itself in many different ways for the Mayor.
The Boy———Wild story of young Brody and and the Staten Island Ferry. It asks a lot of the reader and there are massive chasms of to that are missing. Too many for me to take this seriously. If a writer asks us to believe...it must be set up with emotion or backstory so that we can buy into it. Doesn’t exist here!
The Girl—— Interesting story of Christie ....pre swimming. Arriving in Amity. Ok, spare writing. Might have used some dreams and hopes for her to make it all more emotionally effective although I like the premise.
Through Hendricks Eyes—— This story is a retelling of the events in JAWS from the POV of Hendricks. Very straight forward but has structure and some character. I wanted this to work and it might have if it went further into emotional territory and not just regurgitated the story that we already know.
My favorite is Pacific Overture and second choice is The Girl.
You - The Daily Jaws Community (voted via online poll)
The Podium
A panel of judges and you the community had the chance to vote on a shortlist of 6 stories, and below are the top 3 stories based on your votes and the panel’s feedback.
1st Place: The Girl by Iann Robinson (90 votes/39.8%)
2nd Place: Sweet Dreams In Amity by Jonathan Welsh (66 votes/29.2%)
3rd Place: Through Hendrick’s Eyes by Amanda Bridgeman (24 votes/10.6%)
Thank You
Thank you to everyone who entered. We hope the writers and readers had as much as we did! Look out for more great competitions and challenges coming soon, only on thedailyjaws.com