Saturday was the Bristol Short Story Award Ceremony, held at the Arnolfini on the Quayside, amid a city which when we arrived earlier in the day, seemed awash with police, the EDL and We Are Bristol supporters. Despite appearances the city remained mostly trouble free and the Muslim community were praised for their restraint and dignity.
We had a lovely evening organised chiefly by Joe who knew all the shortlisted writers names as he’d been studying our photos. Writers had come a long way – from Madagascar, from Cork, to celebrate the anthology and some to see their work in print for the first time.
Queen Of The Short Story and one of the judges Tania Hershman gave a great speech about short writing in an expanding universe. The shortlisted writers were each presented with a cheque and two copies of the anthology. The worthy winner John Austen sent a message all the way f
rom Australia. And when the formalities were over we toasted the anthology in the small but temptingly stocked Arnolfini bookstore.
It felt very special to be a writer involved in The Bristol Prize, which has a growing international reputation and is clearly very much a part of the city’s cultural life – long may it thrive and many thanks to all.
Well done, Avril. You are a superb writer and deserve every success. I feel really proud to be your friend and you have taught me so much about writing.
Thank you Geri that’s very kind!
A x
Extremely proud of you Av. You go from strength to strength and are a truly creative soul. You never cease to impress and inspire me.
Can’t wait to spend a few days with you drowning in ‘The Arts’ !! xx
Thanks Jan – can’t wait for Art in Action – drowning or no drowning. Get the wellies out!
A x
Congratulations dear Avril. Your work goes from strength to strength. The book itself looks very good. wx
A well deserved award, Avril.
I’m sure there are great things ahead for you.
Congratulations, love Eileen