to 2282: Timely

The perimetric quotation (referring to October), AMBIGUOUS MONTH, THE MONTH OF TENSION, THE UNENDURABLE MONTH’, is followed by DL, the initials of its author, Doris Lessing, a NOBEL LAUREATE (2/5). The source is the novel MARTHA QUEST (18/17).
 
First prize Christopher Hanafin, Adare, Co. Limerick
Runners-up Sara MacIntosh, Darlington, Co. Durham; C.J. Ellis, Rochester, Kent