Writing / bristol short story prize
Abhishek Sengupta wins the 2023 Bristol Short Story Prize
The 2023 Bristol Short Story Prize awards ceremony took place at Watershed on the evening of October 14.
Now in its 16th year, the prestigious competition attracts thousands of entries from across the world, as well as numerous stories from writers in Bristol and the south west.
It aims to inspire and amplify new writing talent, as well as promoting Bristol as a centre of short story writing, and publishes a fresh anthology of stories every year.
is needed now More than ever
Of the 20 shortlisted writers, 11 were present at the event, with the rest attending via Zoom.
The judging panel for 2023 comprised literary agent, Abi Fellows, editor, writer and creative producer at Words of Colour, Heather Marks, and Dan Ross, author and co-founder of Storysmith Books.
Bristol Short Story Prize 2023 judging panel (l-r) Abi Fellows, Heather Marks and Daniel Ross
The winning entry was announced as Things to Do on the Eve of Your Killing by Abhishek Sengupta, who was tuning in from his home in Kolkata, India when the decision was made known to him.
2nd prize was awarded to Irish writer, Dr Marie Gethins, for her story Go and get your straw wherever you can find it, but your work will not be reduced at all.
Abhishek Sengupta, 2023 Bristol Short Story Prize Winner
Bristol writer Keza O’Neill’s story Lucky Strike won 3rd prize, with O’Neill also receiving the Sansom Award for the highest placed story from a local author.
Named after John and Angela Sansom in deference to their huge contribution to the Bristol publishing landscape over the years, this year’s award comes in the wake of Angela’s sad passing two weeks before the ceremony.
2023 Bristol Short Story Prize shortlist group
The 16th BSSP Anthology, with cover design by UWE Illustration graduate Isabelle Wallace, is available from bookshops or direct from Tangent Books. Find out more about the competition at www.bristolprize.co.uk.
All photos: Bristol Short Story Prize
Read more: Carolyn Lewis on her debut collection of prize-winning short stories
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