Pell-Mell Prose

Submissions to the 2023 Louie Award competition, organized by the Australian Crime Writers Association, will be accepted between Wednesday, November 30, and Friday, December 30. As the ACWA Web site explains, the Louie prize celebrates “fast fiction crime writing—a story of less than 500 words. As well as being in the crime genre, each year entries will also need to feature or incorporate a specific theme.” This year’s theme is “Locked.” To be eligible for Louie honors, you must be an ACWA member. The contest entry fee is just $5 AUD, but the winner will be given both a $750 cash prize and a winner’s certificate. The 2022 Louie went to Hayley Young for her fast-fiction crime story “I’m Not Telling.”