The organisers tried something a little different this year: the two judges selected a short list of eight, then all the Friday Flash Fiction writers were invited to vote for the best one (just like the Oscars).
In the end, the winner was a relatively new Edinburgh writer, Lyn Miller, who won $50 and the pleasure of being a judge next year. Here's her winning entry.
Lyn Miller
Ice cracked under boots as they climbed and exhaled breath formed a cloud. The group leader yodelled. Nothing, the hills seemed bare. Another yodel and then shapes began to appear; silver-grey, approaching down the hillside. Closer, and antlers became apparent. Ruth’s offering of pellet food on up-turned palms was nuzzled up gently. The reindeer gazed at her as she stroked its warm, luxuriant fur and Ruth’s petrified heart thawed just a little.