Monday, March 19, 2012

Aurealis Award Finalist: 'Reading Coffee'

Aurealis Award Finalist: 'Reading Coffee'

Euphoric? Gracious? Humbled?

A 'yes' to all three on being announced a finalist for the short story award. I wish Margo Lanagan, Thoraiya Dyer and DC White the very best. I look forward to reading White and Dyer's work - and I already admire Margo's prose (more of a fan really).

I think that the nominations signal a win for 'longer' short stories over flash as well as 'literary' genre over pulp.

Regarding the award, its nice that you're not required to attend some prior function or have to be affiliated with some group. The fact that there is no mass-voting system prevents populist politics. Basically, the fiction editor at Overland, Jane Gleeson-White, kindly submitted the story and the rest was history.

For finalists in all categories, see the press release below. Congrats to all: http://www.aurealisawards.com/finalists2011.pdf

7 comments:

  1. Loved this story! Beautifully written.

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  2. Reminded me of my daughter. One of the best stories I've read in a long long time. You deserve the accolades. Thank you.

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  3. Congratulations, Anthony, and good luck (anyone up against La Lanagan needs it).

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  4. If I hadn't seen your blog and read your comment that you loved 'Reading Coffee' that would have sounded very dire, Jonathan:)...But I agree, Margo Lanagan is a truly wonderful voice in Australian (and world) fiction.

    It's simply a humbling privilege to be shortlisted as a finalist - no matter how it eventuates.

    And congratulations again on your recent poem!

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