The Flannery O'Connor Award for Short Fiction is one of the most prestigious awards in the world for short fiction. Established in 1983, the award is given annually to a writer whose work demonstrates the qualities of excellence that characterized the writing of Flannery O'Connor: originality, craftsmanship, and insight into the human condition.
The award is named after Flannery O'Connor, one of the most celebrated American writers of the 20th century. O'Connor was born in Savannah, Georgia, in 1925. She published two novels and 32 short stories during her lifetime. Her work is known for its vivid characters, sharp wit, and deep exploration of the human condition.
The Flannery O'Connor Award for Short Fiction is administered by the University of Georgia. The award is open to all writers who write in English. The winner receives a cash prize of $10,000 and a one-year residency at the University of Georgia.
The Flannery O'Connor Award for Short Fiction has been awarded to some of the most distinguished writers in American literature, including:
- Alice Munro
- Raymond Carver
- Tobias Wolff
- Ann Beattie
- Richard Ford
- Amy Tan
- Jhumpa Lahiri
- Junot Díaz
- Elizabeth Strout
- Edwidge Danticat
The Flannery O'Connor Award for Short Fiction is a testament to the enduring legacy of Flannery O'Connor. The award has helped to promote and encourage the art of short fiction, and it has played a vital role in the development of American literature.
