Monday, February 21, 2011

Shearman vs Mantel vs Fischer et al: literary cage-match!

Pleased as punch to see the lovely Robert Shearman among 20 scribes up for the 2011 Sunday Time Short Story Award. Apparently the world's biggest cash prize for short fiction, the longlist features some big names from the world of writing like Hiilary Mantel, Susan Hill, Sarah Hall and an old favourite author of mine, Tibor Fischer.

Contrary to the urgings of my warped imagination, the winner will not be settled by bouts of naked wrestling in front of a roaring fire. Instead five judges [Melvyn Bragg, AS Byatt, Will Self and two more] are choosing their favourite from the 20 stories on the longlist. Shame, I think my version would definitely make the evening news.

Best of luck, Rob!

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