Why did you agree to judge the Plaza Short Story Prize?

I am particularly excited to be selecting Short Story winners for The Plaza Prizes, especially since my own writing career started with an initiative like this one: the Lightship International Literary Prizes.

How important is it to spot new talents early in the Creative Industries?

The Plaza Prizes will no doubt be the birthplace of amazing new short stories from around the world, and I am happy to be among those judges helping to make this a reality. I can feel it already. Writing careers will be boosted here. Writers need to help other writers. 

What are you looking for?

Stories with a strong sense of time and setting, curated by a voice that pulls you along for the ride. Start strong. First lines must hook, judges need to keep reading. Good luck. Can’t wait to see the magic happen!

Do you have any advice for writers?

Write every day. Edit every day. Put your writing where it can be read.