Sep 27, 2016 | Joe Melia
With just 11 days to go until this year’s awards ceremony it is a great pleasure to introduce the 20 wonderful writers in the running for this year’s first prize. Here are 10 of the shortlisted writers (listed A-Z by writer’s name) – we’ll introduce the remaining 10 tomorrow. Vimi Bajaj is a writer living…
Jul 04, 2016 | Joe Melia
We have more exciting publication news to report. Pigeon, Alys Conran’s debut novel, was published last month by Parthian. The Wales Arts Review calls it “heart wrenching” and “thoroughly engaging”. It was simulataneously published in English and Welsh (translated by Sian Northey) and was the Welsh Book Council’s English-language Book of the Month for June.…
May 17, 2016 | Joe Melia
Congratulations to our 2015 winner, Brent van Staalduinen, on the publication of his debut novel last month. Saints, Unexpected has been published by Canadian publisher Invisible Publishing and was launched in Brent’s home town of Hamilton, Ontario. We wish Brent every success with the novel and hope it will be published in more countries very…
Mar 22, 2016 | Joe Melia
One of the main aims of the Bristol Short Story Prize is to encourage, inspire and support writers. In the 8 years since we started, many writers we have published have gone on to publish short story collections, novels and non-fiction titles, and it is always a joy to be able to celebrate and spread…
Mar 16, 2016 | Joe Melia
Many congratulations to Richard Fifield whose debut novel, The Flood Girls, was published last month by Simon and Schuster in the U.S.. The book has been receiving great reviews from bloggers, readers and the press. Kirkus Reviews calls it a “lovable chronicle of small-town insanity” and Publishers Weekly says it is an “excellent fiction debut…hilarious…
Feb 26, 2016 | Joe Melia
Joanna Campbell’s debut short story collection, When Planets Slip Their Tracks, has been published by Ink Tears. This is the latest in a succession of recent achievements by Joanna, including the publication of her debut novel, Taking Down the Lion (Brick Lane Publishing), last year and her triumphant winning of the 2015 London Short Story…
Jan 29, 2016 | Joe Melia
Many congratulations to Danielle McLaughlin, whose debut collection of short stories, Dinosaurs on Other Planets (John Murray), was published earlier this month in the UK and has been receiving widespread acclaim, just as it did when it was first published in Ireland by The Stinging Fly last year. Here are some of the great reviews…
Sep 28, 2015 | Joe Melia
Once again this year we are very fortunate to be publishing an anthology featuring 20 fantastic writers. And with the 2015 Awards Ceremony only 12 days away, we are delighted to introduce the 20 writers who are in the running for this year’s top prize. Michael Bird is an award-winning journalist and writer…
Sep 16, 2015 | Joe Melia
Yana Stajno‘s debut novel, Rules for Thursday Lovers, has recently been published by Clink Street Publishing. In Yana’s own words the novel: “Juxtaposes the mundane responsibilities of getting older with a never ending thirst for affection and adventure”. The Portobello Book Blog calls it “A highly entertaining read” and book blogger, Victoria Goldman, calls it…
Aug 28, 2015 | Joe Melia
Paul O’Reilly’s debut collection of short stories, The Girl Missing From the Window, has recently been published by Doire Press to great acclaim. Hubert O’Hearn, writing in the San Diego Book Review, says: “Ireland is truly blessed by its wealth of great short story writers who have been nurtured and encouraged by storytelling tradition with…
Jul 06, 2015 | Joe Melia
Angela’s Readman’s debut short story collection, Don’t Try This at Home, was published by And Other Stories in May and has been receiving brilliant reviews ever since: “a strong collection…sustained by a surprising subtlety” Kirkus Review “a masterclass in the surreal” The Independent “These are all delightful, odd, insightful, and original stories” Bookmunch “an evocative, memorable…
Jun 02, 2015 | Joe Melia
Nobody Will Ever Love You, Anthony Howcroft’s debut short story collection, has recently been published by Ink Tears. The remarkable thing about the book is that each of the stories has either won a prize in a writing competition or been previously published in a literary magazine. Katie Fforde says that Anthony is “an exciting…
Mar 18, 2015 | Joe Melia
It has been wonderful to see the great reception Catherine Chanter’s debut novel, The Well, has received since it was published by Canongate a couple of weeks ago. Sally Hughes calls it a “beautifully written fable for a modern age” at We Love This Book, and Chris Lynch at The Skinny says it is “superb:…
Mar 02, 2015 | Joe Melia
Many congratulations to Emily Bullock whose debut novel, The Longest Fight, set in the gritty world of post-war London boxing, was published by Myriad Editions last month. The book has been getting great reviews – “With her debut novel Emily Bullock shares something special” says Tina Koenig at The Skinny, “I was knocked out by…
Feb 04, 2015 | Joe Melia
Congratulations to Avril Joy and Samuel Wright who both have new short story collections out this month. Avril’s collection, Millie and Bird-Tales of Paradise, is being published by Iron Press at the end of the month and will feature her Costa Short Story Award winning story, Millie and Bird. You can read more about Avril’s…
