The Short & Sweet Festival came to an end with a ceremony that awarded some of the least memorable offerings over the three weeks of what, sadly, was a most disappointing event. The judging emphasis was revealed as favouring the performance pieces and the independent companies rather than any true playwriting or exceptional acting/directing partnership. How the winners (who shall be nameless) came out on top will remain forever a mystery. Equally baffling was how many other really deserving pieces went completely unrecognised and unrewarded.

What was apparent is that what began four years ago as a highly innovative and worthwhile initiative to foster playwriting, has developed into a political playground which does little to foster or further this energetic corner of the arts.

That it will next year be moving out from under the Arts Centre's umbrella seems highly appropriate in view of the direction it has taken and the politicking going on behind the scenes.

So sad. Such a loss. And such a decline. One wonders what might have been if the energy and goodwill and direction of the first two years could have been sustained and encouraged.

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Fingers crossed! My second book (Washed Up) has been short-listed for the NSW Genre Fiction Award, the same prize that the first book was short-listed for in 2007.  It's getting to be a habit. Must be doing something right. 

We've also scored our first book review ... for Done Deal, in the Books section of the Herald Sun . It's brief, pertinent and complimentary.  To read the full review go to the About Us page and Books. Stocks are now held at Collins Bookstore on Bridge Rd, Richmond, and the Booktalk Cafe in Swan St, Richmond.  Library supply services have also taken it up. Ask your local library to get a copy in.

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