Roly Sussex short story winners announced
The Queensland Branch of the English-Speaking Union (ESU) has named the 7 writers recognised in the 14th Roly Sussex Short Story Competition.
The stories and their authors are:
Open Division
- Winner: “The Apology Factory” by Serena Moss
- Runner-up: “Watersong” by Natalie Sprite.
The judges also commended:
- “The Colours of Sand” by Gil Liddle
- “Douce Sirène” by Jay McKenzie.
Secondary School Division
- “Flies” by Charlotte Serisier
- “Sirens” by Tara Moghbelpour.
The judges also commended:
- “The Final Stitch” by Emily Smith.
Total prize money across the competition is $10,500.
Chair of the two judging panels, David Fagan, highlighted “a noticeable improvement in quality across both competitions as writers focused on the craft of short story writing,” according to the prize announcement, “particularly the need to be on point while quickly drawing the reader into a fictional world.”
All the award-winning stories and runners-up have been published on the Queensland ESU’s website, along with the judges’ comments.
The ESU’s Queensland Branch commenced the awards in 2012 to encourage short story writing and honour the work of professor Roly Sussex, an Australian linguist and media commentator on language.
Sussex said, “This year’s entries have an intensity which I haven’t seen before. I am more chuffed than I can express to have my name associated with work of such clear quality, character and excellence.”
Award administrator and competition committee chair Despina Cook said, “Each year, this competition reminds us of the enduring power of the short story, which the ESU has promoted since 2012. I congratulate all writers who entrust us with their work. It is a privilege to have led the ESU’s competition in 2025.”
Category: Awards Local news
