Furphy Literary Award now open for entries

The award is founded on J.F. Archibald’s belief that everyone can write one good story, the very same belief that drove Joseph Furphy to pen the classic Such is Life under the pseudonym Tom Collins.

In the spirit of Mr Archibald, and honouring the author of Such is Life, the Furphy Literary Award has been established to promote and extend the tradition of storytelling, both factual and fictional, that is so much a part of Australian life.

“To honour the life and times of Joseph Furphy in the most fitting way possible, we encourage Australian storytellers out there to submit a story with a focus on ‘Australian life in all its diversity’,” The Furphy Foundation co-director Sam Furphy said.

“We are calling all writers to compete in this annual award for a prose work, either fiction or non-fiction, by a writer aged 18 years or more at the time of submission.”

Last year saw more than 500 stories submitted from across Australia, with Toowoomba-based writer Thomas Alan taking first prize.

This year’s winner will be granted a $15,000 cash prize, along with a residency at La Trobe University, and all winners will receive pride of place in The Furphy Anthology 2022. The second prize winner will receive $3000, and the third $2000.

Judges for the short story competition include novelist Anson Cameron, writer and publisher John Harms, playwright and author Margaret Hickey, writer and publisher John Kerr, journalist and author Thornton McCamish and a new judge this year in Miles Franklin Literary Award winner Tara June Winch.

The judges said the awards presented a wonderful opportunity to all writers, whether they were first-timers, emerging or established in their careers.

Writers have until April 30 to enter. Following the judging, a shortlist will be revealed on June 30 and the winners will be announced at an award ceremony in late July.

For more information, visit https://www.furphystory.com.au/furphy-literary-award/open-short-story-competition/