Prizes and Awards:

We have exciting news about some about some much-loved 2018 titles, as well as updates about a few great new books to add to our to-be-read pile (which, we know, is growing taller with each passing day).

2018 Horne Prize Shortlist Announced

The shortlist for the $15,000 Horne Prize for narrative fiction has been announced. The prize, named after the late Donald Horne AO in honour of his exceptional contribution to Australian letters, requires entrants to submit an essay of up to 3000 words addressing the subject of contemporary Australian life.

The shortlisted writers are:

Melanie Cheng for ‘All the Other Stories,’ on the passing of time and the power of storytelling
Claire G Coleman for ‘After the Grog War,’ on the Barunga Statement and the impact of the Northern Territory Intervention
Joy Goodsell for ‘Domestic Terrorism,’ on the language and shape of family violence
Daniel James for ‘Ten More Days,’ on Aboriginality and what is lost between generations
Fiona Wright for ‘State Your Intentions,’ on solitude, loneliness and the vagaries of desire.

The winner will be announced on December 22nd and, in addition to the $15,000 cash prize, will also have their work published in the Saturday Paper on 23 December.

Aussie Writer claims UK Prize

Australian author Jock Serong has won the inaugural Staunch Book Prize for his novel On the Java Ridge.

The UK-based prize, which ‘was launched to make space for an alternative to the overload of violence towards women in fiction,’ strives to support women, both in literature and real life.

Judges described On the Java Ridge as an ‘extraordinary, heart-stopping thriller,’ with Serong being awarded $3550 and a glass trophy.

Female Crime Writers Celebrated

The winners of the 2018 Scarlet Stiletto Awards (presented by Sisters in Crime) have been announced.

The awards, launched in 1994, recognise the best crime and mystery short stories written by Australian women, offering first, second, and third place prizes, as well as a number of individual category awards such as the ‘Mystery with History Award’ and the ‘Young Writers’ Award.’

First prize, valued at $1500, was awarded to Melbourne author Philomena Horsely for her short story ‘Darkness in the Port’ about domestic violence.

Second prize ($1000) was awarded to Victorian author and journalist Fin J Ross for her short story ‘Deadly Ernestine’, which also won the ‘Body in the Library’ Award ($1000), as well as the inaugural ‘Forensic Linguists’ award ($1000). Ross also claimed the award for ‘Cross Genre’ ($500) for another short story, ‘Victory of Kyrnos.’

Finally, third prize ($500) was awarded to Melbourne writer Kat Clay, who also took home the ‘Malice Domestic’ award ($750).

That’s it for the week. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for future bookish news bulletins. Happy reading!