On September 28, 2024, the prestigious “Austrian Literary Award for Short Stories” was presented at the Stieglerhaus Cultural Center in St. Stefan ob Stainz, located in western Styria. This event took place during the “Word in Motion” literature festival, where exceptional literary works were recognized for the third time.
The jury, led by Dr. Gerwig Epkes, along with Nicola Steiner, the director of the Zurich Literary House, and Austrian literature professor Dr. Daniela Strigl, had the challenging task of selecting the best short stories from a multitude of submissions.
The first prize of €4,000 was awarded to Irene Diwiak, a Styrian writer living in Vienna, for her story “Winterschlaf” (Hibernation). Johanna Hieblinger received the second prize of €2,000 for her compelling text “Ich möchte mit einem Menschen sprechen” (I Want to Speak with a Person). Marcus Fischer was honored with the third prize and a prize of €1,000 for his story “Atembremse” (Breath Brake).
In addition to the main awards, two encouragement prizes were also given out. Sabine Schönfellner received recognition for her story “Das letzte Rentier” (The Last Reindeer), and Mercedes Kornberger was awarded for her text “Eine Selbstaufgabe” (A Self-Abandonment). Both were acknowledged with €500 each.
This ceremony highlighted the continuous cultural work and dedication of individuals like Irene Diwiak, Johann Hieblinger, Marcus Fischer, Mercedes Kornberger, and Sabine Schönfellner in contributing to the literary landscape of Austria. The event was attended by various distinguished personalities, including the festival’s artistic director, Stefan Gmünder, and members of the board such as August Schmölzer, Daniela Majer, and Lukas Zeinler.
The “Austrian Literary Award for Short Stories” serves as a platform to recognize and honor talented writers who captivate audiences with their creative storytelling. It encourages a vibrant literary community and inspires aspiring writers to continue exploring the power of words and narratives. Such initiatives play a crucial role in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Austria while fostering a deep appreciation for literature among the public.