I don’t have the words to express my excitement…
A kooky 2000-word fictional narrative I wrote at the beginning of this year— ‘The undying love of Specimen A398’—has been shortlisted for the Open Short Story Competition of The Furphy Literary Award 2025!
This means I’m heading up the highway to Shepparton on 26th July to attend an awards ceremony held by The Furphy Foundation with the other 16 finalists.
While of course, I’d love to take first prize, I already feel like a winner because the final 16 stories are included in The Furphy Anthology book, which will be published at the end of 2025.
It’s also been a generation since I wrote fiction, and wasn’t sure if I had it in me anymore. This is the kick up the arse I needed to get back in the saddle.
More about the award (and the short & long lists) below.
Emma Westwood 
Miss Emma!
This is such good news, I am so happy for you! 💕
I’m also most excited to hear you are back into writing for your own enjoyment and fulfilment. That is fantastic news!
I’m doing a figurative happy dance!
I will also have my fingers crossed on 26th for you xxoo
Much love, Sarah g xx