The 2023 Michael McLaverty Short Story Award is open for submissions
The Linen Hall has announced the opening of the highly anticipated 2023 Michael McLaverty Short Story Award.
Running since 2006, the prestigious award is open to those born in, citizens of, or resident in Northern Ireland/Republic of Ireland. There is a first prize of £2,000, with £250 each for two runners-up.
The deadline for submissions is midnight on October 31, 2023.
The Michael McLaverty Short Story Award is a tribute to writer Michael McLaverty (1904–1992), whose archive was generously donated to The Linen Hall by the Literary Executors of Michael McLaverty in 2005. McLaverty’s legacy continues to inspire and celebrate the artistry of the short story form.
The Linen Hall Librarian Samantha McCombe said that the Michael McClaverty archive is a pillar of the rich and expansive literary archives held at the library. “The award celebrates the skill and artistry of this esteemed writer and continues Michael McLaverty’s commitment to foster and encourage creativity in the short story form.”
Author Bernie McGill and editor Emma Warnock are this year’s adjudicators.
Bernie McGill said it was a privilege to be judging this year’s award. “I was a second-place winner in this competition in 2010 and I know what a difference a prestigious prize such as this can make to the career of an emerging writer. Good luck to everyone with their submissions. I’m looking forward to reading the stories.”
Niall Bourke is the most recent winner of the award, and for him it was a huge honour.
“The substantial prize money aside, to have been selected as winner by a writer who I hugely admire, Donal Ryan, was a great boost to me. I suppose that ultimately writing is not really about awards; however, in a vocation such as writing, beset with chronic uncertainty and self-doubt, awards such as The Michael McLaverty do a huge service in identifying, encouraging and giving a platform to emerging practitioners. I can not overstate the positive impact winning the award had on my own writing development.”
Find out more information about how to submit here.
