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I want to talk about … pain
I want to talk about pain. Chronic pain, in particular. And even more specifically, chronic pain that only comes from being female. When I was about ten weeks’ pregnant with my daughter, who is now 12, I started having severe pain in my lower back. My hamstrings were pulled tight – I used to be Continue reading
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Northern Beaches Writers Competition 2024
I’m delighted that I was placed in the shortlist for the Northern Beaches Writers Competition 2024! This year’s theme was GLASS, and required a photo submission as well as the story itself (up to 2500 words). Not being a particularly skillful photographer, this element added an extra layer to the challenge, but I was really Continue reading
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Flash 500 Short Story Competition 2004
Delighted to be shortlisted in this competition. The theme was wide open, up to 3000 words, so I went with a quirky but sad piece, ‘Like Old Times’. Interestingly, I originally wrote this story as a 2000-word piece for a different competition, but that word count wasn’t enough to do full justice to the character Continue reading
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Why I love … writing as though no one is watching
Writers are always told to write the book that’s in them. But what if the book that’s in them might upset or embarrass some of their readership? No, I’m not talking about actual, book-buying or -borrowing members of the public who might read your book. I’m talking parents. Partners. Friends. Writing a book with swears Continue reading
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Why I love … finding a writer with a backlist
I’m one of those readers who has a tremor of trepidation every time I pick up a book by an author I haven’t read before. It feels risky, like I’m taking a leap of faith based on someone else’s opinion, or a cover quote, or a passing reference. And let’s be honest, whether someone likes Continue reading
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Graeme Lay Short Story Competition 2023
I was overjoyed to recently learn that my short story Mornings was highly commended in this New Zealand Society of Authors competition. My other entry, The Pianist, was listed in the top ten. In Mornings, I use a humour to delve into how fleeting encounters in our normal lives can become significant, and that how Continue reading
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Under the Silver Tree Short Story Competition 2023
I’m overjoyed to have my short story Tied In Knots commended in this wonderful comp run by the Under the Silver Tree Cooperative Bookshop in Broken Hill, New South Wales. These local literary moments are so important for fostering emerging writers and exposing new writing to significant members of Australia’s literary world via the judge/s. Continue reading
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Tasmanian Writers’ Prize 2023
I am absolutely delighted to say that I have been named as a finalist for the Tasmanian Writers’ Prize 2023. My short story Motutaratahi explores themes of isolation, otherness and trans-Tasman relations, set in the Marlborough Sounds of New Zealand’s glorious Te Waipounamu (South Island). Many thanks to the judges Amanda Lohrey, Mallika Naguran and Continue reading
Recent Posts
Ethel Webb Bundell Literary Awards: Short Story Award 2024
Northern Beaches Writers Competition 2024
Flash 500 Short Story Competition 2024
Graeme Lay Short Story
Competition 2023
EVENT TESTIMONALS
“Averil Robertson was an exceptional MC for our publishing panel, An Agent, an Author, and an Editor Walk into a Library. Her insightful questions and warm presence created an engaging and accessible space for an in-depth conversation between Danielle Binks, Katherine Collette, and Laura Franks. Averil’s deep knowledge of the literary world, enthusiasm, and professionalism ensured the session ran smoothly and sparked meaningful dialogue. We’re so grateful for the expertise and care she brought to the festival.”
(Footscray West Writers’ Fest 2025)
“Averil spoke with passion, care and insight on the challenges and joys of short story writing at our panel celebrating the launch of the Tasmanian Writers’ Prize Anthology 2023. Her insightful reflections on narrative, character and the craft of good writing confirmed how right we were to select her as one of our finalists.”
(Tasmania Reads 2024)
AVERIL ROBERTSON 