News just in from the administrators of the Seán Ó Faoláin Prize at the Munster Literature Centre. As entries almost doubled this year - to 707 - they have generously decided to allow me, as judge, to pick four further runners up!
This means that there will be 1st prize, 2nd prize, and EIGHT prizes of €100, plus publication in the literary journal Southword.
Not only does this take the sting out of choosing a shortlist for me (a task I currently have in hand) but it is further evidence of what a fair-minded and supportive competition this is for new and emerging writers.
Once again the Munster Literature Centre shows how it should be done.
7 comments:
Feck! 707 stories - you must be looking at the world through rosetinted eyeballs! Doubled? How does that compare to the year before that? And why such an increase?
Great news, WRW! Yes this is how it should be done. Any idea if a longlist will be announced? Or is your shortlist the first cut?
That is an extremely generous gesture, and helpful to you too, if you feel there are ten deserving stories. It is great when an organisation is so committed to encouraging writers that it can expand its support in reaction to the response. When will the shortlist be announced? Not that I am rushing you.... :)
I think the huge increase in story numbers may be at least partly due to your blog post of 16 May, Nuala! It was so detailed and encouraging.
PJ - They told me they usually get around 400 entries per year.
They took out google ads this year, which was new. The Blogosphere also picked up quickly on it too.
Sarah & Tania - the shortlist and winners will be announced the same day: 12.30pm, Sat 20th Sep at the Frank O'Connor Festival. Winners and listees will have been notified in advance of their win. So they will already know if they have 1st, 2nd or runner up before the prize giving.
@Frances: thanks Frances. Maybe so, it's hard to know. Best of luck anyway, all who entered!
That is really encouraging to see the increase from last year: it's almost doubled (glass half full), which is terrific news for Southword and the competition itself.
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