Short stories have the power to transport us to another world, they educate and entertain us, and can make the everyday seem extraordinary.
The world's richest short story competition was launched right here in WA today at Perth Festival.
The West Australian and Minderoo Foundation present The Best Australian Yarn, a search for Australia’s best short story. It is a celebration of creative writing and the arts across Australia.
Guy Boyce, WA Writing Chair, told the audience it was fitting that a national competition with so much prize money attached ($50,000) originated here in WA where our tradition of storytelling, both ancient and modern, is so rich and vibrant. 'This state's most valuable resources are in my opinion above the ground,' he said.
Everyone has a story to tell, and now we are calling on Australians everywhere to put pen to paper and take part in the world’s richest short story competition for published and unpublished writers. The competition is open to anyone - published and unpublished writers, students, anyone over the age of 12.
Writing WA chair Guy Boyce on the left with (L-R) Perth Festival Writing Weekend curator Gillian O'Shaughnessy, Editor-in-Chief of The West Australian Anthony De Ceglie and Director of Arts and Culture at Minderoo Foundation Ella McNeill.