Introduction by Natasha Fujimoto
WHEN it comes to acknowledging the achievements of the Goulburn Valley’s abundance of home-grown talent, whether it be sporting, creative or public spirited, The Adviser has always been at the forefront of sharing those achievements with its readership.
Loving a ripping yarn as well as appreciating an exquisitely crafted turn of phrase, it was with great delight that The Adviser reported late last year about the remarkable achievement of acclaimed novelist and newspaper columnist, Anson Cameron who took out the world’s richest short-story competition, The Best Australian Yarn, for his ‘rare gem of a story,’ Vanilla…Then Cinnamon.
With literary artistry as well as an exceptional knack for spinning a tale coursing through his veins as the great-great-great-grandson of Joseph Furphy (and fittingly, Furphy Literary Award judge), Cameron’s short story surpassed 6,000 entries to claim the $50,000 Main Prize, while delivering a deliciously off-centre narrative about a comatose patient and his tender, kind-hearted nurse.
Vanilla…Then Cinnamon is a highly original, clever, and thought-provoking love story spiced with flavours that both surprise and delight. So, sit back and enjoy this fine, home-grown piece of award-winning literature, broken into instalments over the next few weeks for your on-going enjoyment.
And remember, if this quirky, yet tender and surprising story sparks a creative chord in you, you still have time to pen and enter your own short story in this year’s Furphy Literary Award. Entries close on Wednesday, April 30 at 11.59pm. You can find out more by heading to: www.furphyliteraryaward.com.au
