Nigerian writers were not simply responding to Western literature or colonial narratives; they were creating distinctly Nigerian literary traditions that demanded recognition on their own terms. Their success demonstrated that African stories held universal appeal when presented without compromising their cultural specificity.
The Asian Review, in collaboration with The Asian Prizes, proudly presents The Asian Writing Lab—an ambitious series of interconnected articles designed to nurture and elevate emerging literary voices across the globe.
Rahul Maru’s book ‘Be the Sales Champion’ shifts away from pushy and spammy sales tactics and instead shows how you can bring meaning to your role as a salesperson. He infuses techniques and strategies how to remain in alignment with your calling, with yourself, with what you are selling, with your prospects, and with what you are saying to your prospects.
The Edinburgh Award for Flash Fiction offers writers worldwide a chance to win £2,000 for stories up to 250 words. Open from May to August 2025, the competition welcomes all genres and includes special awards for Scottish writers and quirky stories.
A haunting cry from the heart of oppression. María A. Perdomo’s powerful poem captures the anguish of a generation robbed of dreams, education, and hope. “You stole my youth” resonates with anyone who’s watched corruption destroy lives whilst those in power live in luxury.
Mslexia has opened its Women’s Fiction Competition 2025, seeking short stories up to 3,000 words. The winner receives £3,000 and publication in December’s issue. Author Eley Williams will judge entries. Three finalists get £100 each. Deadline: 22 September. Entry fee: £12. Submit via mslexia.co.uk.
The Rattle Poetry Prize offers £12,000 for a single winning poem, with ten finalists receiving £400 each and publication. Open worldwide to English-language poets, the competition features anonymous judging and a unique £4,000 Readers’ Choice Award selected by the poetry community. Entry requires only a magazine subscription. Deadline: 15 July 2025.
Sri Lankan author Shehan Karunatilaka has won the eighth Émile Guimet Prize for Asian Literature for “Les sept lunes de Maali Almeida.” The Booker Prize winner’s novel beat strong competition from Chinese and Korean works. The ceremony also launched the inaugural Inalco Student Prize for Manga, expanding recognition of Asian literary forms.
Mieko Kawakami’s Under the Eye of the Big Bird defies categorisation as part novel, part interlinked stories. Set in humanity’s distant future, this ambitious work explores extinction through fragmented narratives that gradually coalesce. Despite its bleak premise, moments of love and humour shine through, creating something genuinely original and haunting.
Writers can compete for £5,000 in prizes across four categories: Open Poetry, Short Story, Book for Children, and Young Poets. Submit your original, unpublished work by 30 June 2025. Prize winners receive professional recognition worth its weight in gold. Visit wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk for guidelines.
Seán Ó Faoláin International Short Story Competition opens for 2025 submissions, offering a €2,000 first prize and featured reading at Cork International Short Story Festival. Running until 31st July, the competition welcomes unpublished stories up to 3,000 words from writers worldwide, judged by acclaimed Australian author Laura Jean McKay.
Ethos Literary Festival returns on 7th June 2025 at Ambassador Hotel, featuring prestigious book launches, interactive pitch sessions with leading literary agent Suhail Mathur, and ceremonial presentations by renowned professors. The day-long poetry celebration, organised by Harwal Publishers, concludes with the coveted Ethos Literary Award 2025 presentation ceremony.
‘The Luminosity of Crystals & Dimensions of the Heart’ offers a blend of clean fantasy and insightful magical moments, making it a cozy and imaginative read for those who enjoy stories that step beyond the ordinary.
Charu Nivedita is a South Indian Author. He has published six works of fiction, six works on cinema and numerous non-fiction. His novel Zero Degree was long listed for the 2013 edition of Jan Michalski Prize for Literature. It is a lipogrammatic novel in Tamil.
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