QuietManDave Prize 2022 shortlist revealed
The shortlist for the QuietManDave Prize 2022, a short-form writing competition that honours much-loved Manchester critic Dave Murray, has been announced.
Named in honour of Murray, a popular Manchester-based writer and critic, the QuietManDave Prize is run by the Manchester Writing School at Manchester Metropolitan University, in conjunction with Manchester School of Theatre.
This year’s prize received 500 entries and the judging panel have selected a shortlist which features nine entries in both the Flash Fiction and Flash Non-Fiction categories.
The prize was developed in recognition of Murray’s achievements and his passion for writing, something which he embraced later in life. It celebrates new and emerging short-form writers, and through sponsored entries, aims to encourage those who are new to writing or entering competitions.
Running every two years, if offers a top prize of £1,000, plus runner up prizes, for Flash Fiction and Flash Non-Fiction categories. Each finalist submitted a short-form piece under 500 words for consideration, with no restriction on style or topic.
The shortlist was selected by a panel of judges which was chaired by Shane Kinghorn, who is Senior Lecturer in Drama and Contemporary Performance at Manchester Metropolitan and has previously worked in London as director and dramaturg, alongside Syrian born author Dima Alzayat, and short story writer, essayist and poet Kate Feld.
Kinghorn, on behalf of the judging panel, said: “We were delighted with the high standard of entries this year in both the fiction and non-fiction categories, and the process of narrowing the field down to the shortlists was not easy. Our top choices were stories that had a freshness of approach and an originality of voice that really stood out and had a lasting impact on us. Congratulations to the winners and to those on the shortlist, and thanks to everyone who entered this prize, dedicated to the memory of a very special man”.
Dr Catherine Wilcox, Academic Director of the Manchester Writing School said: “The QuietManDave Prize is a wonderful and generous gift of a competition. It celebrates a life well-lived by inviting a whole new community of writers to offer glimpses into their lives and imaginations. The shortlisted entries shimmer with talent, and the Manchester Writing School is proud to be in partnership with the School of Theatre at Manchester Met in enabling and promoting new writing in this unique prize.”
We were delighted with the high standard of entries this year in both the fiction and non-fiction categories, and the process of narrowing the field down to the shortlists was not easy.
The prize was initiated and funded by Murray’s family, including his wife Vanda Murray OBE, who is senior non-executive director with several organisations and former chair of Manchester Metropolitan Board of Governors.
Vanda Murray said: “Dave’s legacy is to encourage and inspire new writers and to celebrate short-form writing and the extraordinary impact it can make. We, his family, know he would have been thrilled with the number of entries and the quality of the writing. Congratulations to all the short listed writers and thank you to all who entered and to everyone supporting the QuietManDave prize.”
All of the shortlisted pieces and profiles of the finalists can be read in full for the Flash Fiction and Flash Non-Fiction categories.
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony hosted at Manchester Metropolitan’s Grosvenor East building on October 27.
