Waimate writer wins short story award

Waimate's Sue Francis has won the open division of The Sunday Star-Times short story awards.

Last week, judges revealed the top three finalists in the open and secondary school divisions.

Francis' story, The Concentrators, came first, winning $5000 cash, publication of her story in The Sunday Star-Times this weekend, and $500 of books from Random House.

A record number of short story entries were received this year, with more than 1400 New Zealand writers submitting pieces in the open division, and nearly 300 in the secondary school division.

The open division head judge Elizabeth Smither said selection was difficult due to the calibre of entries.

"All of the stories on the shortlist are there simply because of the quality."

Ms Smither was joined by Fleur Beale, head judge of the secondary school division, plus eight professional writers or book editors.

Now in its 25th year, the awards, in association with Random House, encourage and recognise the talents of published and unpublished New Zealand writers.

The awards are nationally recognised for championing and showcasing New Zealand short fiction.

Some of this country's leading writers, including Norman Bilbrough, Judith White, Barbara Anderson, Linda Olsson and Sarah Quigley, have achieved success in the competition.

This year a new category was added to the awards to give the public the chance to vote online for their favourite story.

The winners were announced at a ceremony yesterday.

- © Fairfax NZ News