ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — After a record number of submissions in 2020, the first longlist for the Writers’ Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador (WANL) Fresh Fish Award has been announced.
WANL executive director Jen Winsor said this year, because of how many submissions were received, WANL started the longlist in order to give proper respect to as many entrants as possible.
“It seems like a lot of people have been writing during (the COVID-19 pandemic) and there is going to be a lot of manuscripts on the go,” Winsor said. “The jury had a super hard time.”
The award, which is sponsored by the Newfoundland and Labrador Credit Union, goes to an unpublished author and is “intended to serve as an incentive for emerging writers in the province,” a news release from WANL stated.
“It seems like a lot of people have been writing during (the COVID-19 pandemic) and there is going to be a lot of manuscripts on the go. The jury had a super hard time.” — Jen Winsor, WANL
The winner will receive $5,200 in cash as well as $1,000 toward professional editing services.
Started in 2006, the award and is given out every two years. Previous winners are Matthew Hollett, Susie Taylor, Paul Whittle, Lesleyanne Ryan, Jamie Fitzpatrick, Dave Andrews, Craig Francis Power and Sara Tilley.
“We’ve seen so many manuscripts come from this program that get publishing deals, and I think this year is going to be no different,” Winsor said.
The shortlist will be announced on Aug. 3. Readings from those on the shortlist, as well as the announcement of the winner, will take place on WANL's Facebook page on Aug. 20.
The Fresh Fish Award 2020 longlist
- "A Seal of Salvage" by Clayton Smith
- "To Wear A Bear Skin" by Shelly Kawaja
- "Nowadays and Lonelier" by Carmella Gray-Cosgrove
- •"No Subject for the Inexperienced" by Clay Everest
- "Quiet Time" by Katherine Harvey
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