ABR Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize

Claire Aman, Gaylene Carbis, Gregory Day, and Carrie Tiffany are the four shortlisted authors in the inaugural ABR Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize. Their stories appear in this special Fiction issue. ABR and the judges – Tony Birch, Mark Gomes, and Terri-ann White – congratulate the shortlisted authors, who were selected from an impressive field of 1300 stories.

Some thematic currents emerged from this vast pool of entries. As in the contemporary novel, many short story writers chose to re-imagine scenes from colonial Australian life, and other historical periods. Stories of migration, and of migrant life in this country, also featured prominently. And, of course, the perennial narrative mode of domestic realism was ever present, deployed in telling stories ranging from the harrowing to the hilarious.

Four further stories are commended, and will appear in coming issues of ABR. They are: ‘A Body of Water’ by Else Fitzgerald, ‘Bad Luck’ by Rose Lane, ‘Russell Drysdale’s Trousers’ by Catherine Moffat, and ‘Nitrogen’ by Meg Mundell. The judges admired the short-listed and commended stories’ charm and simplicity of expression. Their aims, it was remarked, are modest, contained, and achieved with linguistic economy.

The winner will be announced at the launch of this issue – Wednesday, 12 October, at Readings, Carlton, 6:30 p.m. Shortlisted authors will not know the result beforehand. ABR patron Ian Dickson, who generously supports this Prize, will present the winner with a cheque for $5000; the other three shortlisted authors will each receive $1000. All are welcome to attend the launch. To RSVP email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. And if you can’t be there, follow ABR on Twitter on the night for live updates.

Internship opportunity III

Australian Book Review – supported by The Ian Potter Foundation – seeks applications for an editorial intern. The successful candidate will spend six months at the magazine and will receive $20,000. This is an excellent opportunity for recent graduates who are seeking an entrée into publishing. The ABR Ian Potter Foundation Editorial Internship reflects ABR’s strong commitment to fostering new editorial talent, and extends the magazine’s highly regarded volunteer program.

We seek applications from graduates who wish to work in the publishing industry. The successful applicant will work closely with the Editor and with Mark Gomes, the Deputy Editor, who joined us in 2009 under this program. As in his case, there is much scope for a diverse creative contribution to the shape of the magazine.

Applications close on 21 November 2011. Full guidelines are available here. Applicants should read them closely, and must demonstrate a sound knowledge of the magazine.

Chong and Grenville

W.H. Chong is back with another of his inimitable portrait prints. Kate Grenville, whose new novel, Sarah Thornhill, is reviewed by Sophie Cunningham in this issue, is his fifth subject. Full details of Chong’s limited edition appear here. The first ten purchasers of the Grenville print will receive a signed copy of Sarah Thornhill, courtesy of our friends at Text Publishing.

Dry martini

Advances was amused by one item in The Weekend Australian of 17–18 September. Paul Kelly reported that Heather Henderson, daughter of Robert Menzies, had rebutted John Howard’s claim in his memoirs, Lazarus Rising, that, on becoming prime minister in 1996, he invited the Hendersons to The Lodge for a celebratory martini. Mrs Henderson told the newspaper she was astonished by the claim and that she and her husband had never been invited to The Lodge as a couple. In an earlier letter to Mr Howard, she noted: ‘I don’t like and don’t drink martinis.’ John Howard has now removed this anecdote from the paperback edition. Meanwhile, Sue Ebury, in this issue, reviews Heather Henderson’s edition of Robert Menzies’ Letters to My Daughter (Pier 9).

Give a free six-month sub

We invite renewing subscribers to give a free six-month subscription to a friend. This year the version on offer is ABR Online Edition (not the print edition). Complete the back of the flysheet that accompanied the October 2011 print issue or contact us on (03) 9429 6700. As ever, you can renew your subscription at any time to qualify for this special offer. Renew for two years and give away two free subs, etc. (This offer, ideal for Christmas, is open only to current subscribers.)

Loyalty program

Our new program proved highly popular last month. Those who have been subscribers for five or more years can select a complimentary book when they renew their subscriptions (which can be done at any time during the life of the subscription, not just when it finishes). We have some marvellous new fiction and non-fiction titles to add to the list of books (we will email this to individuals whose subscriptions are due for renewal). Please note: from the complete range of our special promotions (books, gift subscriptions, film tickets, etc.), new or renewing subscribers can select one item. We encourage Melburnians to collect their giveaways from the office. This helps with postage – and we love meeting our readers.

CONTENTS: OCTOBER 2011