An anthology of the winning entries in the Jane Austen Short Story Award 2009, which celebrates the bicentenary of Jane Austens arrival in Chawton, where she spent the most productive years of her literary life.Traumatised by her parents decision to give up the rectory in Oxfordshire where she grew up, Austen had been unable to write for ten years. During that time she moved from one rented property to another and it was only when her brother Edward offered her a permanent home on his Chawton House Estate that she had the peace and security to pick up her pen again. All of her novels were written or published while she lived there.The intention is to publish the very best short fiction inspired by Jane Austen or Chawton House and the Chair of Judges is Sarah Waters, bestselling author of Tipping the Velvet and Fingersmith.Published by Honno in conjunction with Chawton House Library.Taps into the enduring interest in Jane AustenJudged and selected by Sarah Waters, bestselling author of Tipping the Velvet , Affinity, Fingersmith and The Night WatchWinners of the competition to be announced at the Jane Austen Society Conference at Chawton House and a later launch to be held at Chawton House Library.Strong marketing support for this title, with a marketing grant from the Welsh Books Council and press by MGA PR.Confirmed adverts in relevant publications including The Bookseller (back page), Mslexia and Jane Austen Regency Review.Cover designed by Sue Race, designer of Girl in a Blue Dress by Gaynor Arnold which was longlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction 2009
