Former Creative Writing and English Literature student Alice Ash was recently named winner of the Edge Hill Short Story Reader's Choice Prize for her short story collection, Paradise Block.
The Edge Hill Short Story Prize is awarded annually for excellence in a published single authored story collection in the UK and Ireland. Founded in 2006 by the world’s only Professor of Short Fiction Professor Ailsa Cox, the prize highlights the intricate craftsmanship of short story writing, and is judged by a selected panel of literary experts.
The winner of the Short Story Reader’s Choice Prize is awarded £1000, and is judged by Creative Writing students.
Alice Ash was named winner for her short story collection ‘Paradise Block’, a compilation of thirteen tales about lonely residents that live in close proximity while longing for connection. Alice is also a creator of short films, and in 2019 her story ‘Eggs’ was longlisted for the Galley Beggar Prize, an award set up to help independent publisher Galley Beggar Press to support talented new writers.
The University of Westminster spoke to Alice about her book and the award.
What was the inspiration behind the book?
“I’ve always written in confined spaces – all my earlier work was usually rooted in a tight space or circumstance, whether that be physical or mental. Even at university, everything was set in one teeny room. I like it when the scope is so focused it makes you feel a little queasy – like Gregor’s room in Metamorphosis. This theme seemed to want to link the stories, even though the characters were quite wide-ranging, and I’ve lived in so many little flats – it seemed to make sense to put everyone together in a block of flats. I was also influenced by my dad, who was working in patient transport at the time – he talked to me about how it felt to see people in tender states, sometimes in unloved and unkempt spaces, and hidden quietly behind thin doors – that’s what made me think about how suffering can go on in such close proximity of other lives, when help is so close you can feel the vibrations through the wall. I wanted to reflect on this sadness and then overcome it in some ways.”
How does it feel to be awarded this prize?
“Absolutely life-affirming honestly! It has been extremely difficult to publish a debut book during the pandemic because I have had little contact with people who have read the book – I couldn’t be totally sure that anyone had read it. Receiving the Reader’s Prize has really bolstered my confidence and made me feel certain about myself as a writer.”
How did the teachers at the University of Westminster help you to develop yourself as a writer?
“It was a long time ago now, but my teachers always remain in my mind. The most important thing my degree gave me was my voice. On both the academic and creative side, I was allowed to experiment and get a bit weird. I never felt hemmed into an expectation or way of writing, and I also felt known and special in the eyes of my teachers. I still remember some of the feedback from more than ten years ago because it was so personal and encouraging – so that really helped me over time, because self-doubt is a big thing for writers (definitely this writer, anyway). My experience at the University of Westminster was pivotal to my imagining myself – a confused little person with no direction and hardly any qualifications – as a writer. And since my degree, my teachers have constantly supported me! In particular, I am indebted to the wisdom and continued support of Monica Germana, Matt Morrison and John O’Donoghue. Thank you!”
Find out more about English and Creative Writing.
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