Cherise Saywell has won the prestigious BBC National Short Story Award for her tender and taut tale of a young boy confronting domestic violence. The Edinburgh-based writer received the £15,000 prize at a ceremony held at BBC Broadcasting House on Tuesday evening.
About the Winning Story
Set in an isolated Australian town inspired by Saywell's childhood, the story follows a boy nicknamed Ditto as he grapples with what to do when his mother is threatened. Ultimately, he finds the courage to use a public telephone box to call the police. The judging panel, chaired by Di Speirs, praised the story as "taut and beautifully crafted, tender and deeply rooted in one dusk evening and one small town."
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The Author's Inspiration
Saywell, who was born and raised in Australia and has lived in Scotland since 1996, said she wanted to explore "how children experience violence, when they have no words for the things they are experiencing." She added, "They feel love and fear and responsibility all at the same time, but have no name for what's happening around them."
Cherise Saywell's Literary Career
Saywell is the author of two novels, Desert Fish and Twitcher. Her short fiction has won the Pindrop short story award, the Mslexia short story prize, and the VS Pritchett prize. Her success in the BBC National Short Story Award further cements her reputation as a master of the short form.
Key Takeaways from the Award
- The BBC National Short Story Award is one of the most prestigious prizes for short fiction in the UK.
- Cherise Saywell's winning story tackles the difficult theme of domestic violence from a child's perspective.
- The award includes a £15,000 cash prize and significant recognition.
- Saywell's background in Australia and Scotland influences her writing.
- The story is praised for its tenderness and taut prose.
Comparison of Major Short Story Awards
| Award | Prize Money | Organizer |
|---|---|---|
| BBC National Short Story Award | £15,000 | BBC & University of Cambridge |
| Sunday Times Short Story Award | £30,000 | The Sunday Times |
| Pindrop Short Story Award | Varies | Pindrop |
| Mslexia Short Story Prize | £5,000 | Mslexia |
| VS Pritchett Prize | £1,000 | Royal Society of Literature |
FAQ
What is the BBC National Short Story Award?
The BBC National Short Story Award is an annual literary prize for short fiction by UK-based writers, run by the BBC in collaboration with the University of Cambridge. The winner receives £15,000.
Who won the BBC National Short Story Award 2025?
Cherise Saywell won the 2025 award for her story about a young boy facing domestic violence.
What is Cherise Saywell's winning story about?
The story follows a boy nicknamed Ditto in an isolated Australian town as he deals with his mother being threatened and eventually calls the police from a public phone box.
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