Since 1950, the Sidney Prize has shed light on many of our time’s major issues, from searching for lasting peace to fighting for better housing, medical care and employment security for all. We have recognized contributions by daily, periodical and labor press writers and broadcasters who pursue deep reporting for common good; also writers from all fields who publish in service of humanity.
This award recognizes a book that displays exceptional scholarship, originality, and sensitivity in interpreting past or present history or events. This may include historical or contemporary, popular fiction or nonfiction works alike – the judging panel looks at quality of overall work rather than one aspect such as narrative technique or style alone.
Overland is delighted to congratulate Annie Zhang as the winner of the 2023 Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize with her work entitled ‘Who Rattles the Night?’ This competition was open to Australian writers of any experience level and featured over 500 entries; judges Patrick Lenton, Alice Bishop and Sara Saleh reviewed each piece before narrowing it down to eight pieces on which Patrick Lenton, Alice Bishop and Sara Saleh chose one as winner and another two runners-up stories which will all be published in Overland alongside Annie Zhang’s success!
Ron Rash’s book explores the roots of Southern literature, detailing its historical development under Sidney Lanier in 19th-century America, as well as exploring why writers continue to be inspired by it today. Rash himself is the author of four collections of poems and six novels including Burning Bright and Chemistry and Other Stories; The Road to Carter was recently shortlisted for PEN/Faulkner award he holds at Western Carolina University as John Parris Distinguished Chair for Appalachian Studies.
Follow a Chinese Jewish family as they observe two new years: Rosh Hashanah in fall and Lunar New Year in early spring. With illustrations that capture both cultures’ paper cutting traditions, this book provides a reflective yet playful view into these annual celebrations.
The Hillman Prize was created to recognize those pursuing social justice and public policy for the common good through traditional and new media journalism. Established by The Hillman Foundation to support a free and independent press, its mission includes supporting journalism’s role as an instrument of civic discourse, commitment to long-form writing in all forms, tax exemption status under IRS Section 501(c)(3) status as well as dedication to long-form writing as an art form.