Every Cloud sponsors the Scarlet Stiletto Awards

Every Cloud Productions has just added another feather to its cloche: sponsorship of the $1500 first prize in the 22ndScarlet Stiletto Awards, Sisters in Crime Australia’s annual short story competition.
 
Fiona Eagger, who produces Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries with Every Cloud’s co-founder Deb Cox, said that they were only too delighted to support women’s literary talent of the criminal bent.
 
“We’re huge fans of the crime genre. Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries is based on the path-breaking novels of Kerry Greenwood, a founding member of Sisters in Crime back in 1991. Essie Davis, who plays our twenties’ sleuth, Phryne Fisher, presented the Scarlet Stiletto Awards before a capacity crowd in 2013. The year before, the costume designer, Marion Boyce, and Kerry did the honours,” Eagger said.
 
“Sisters in Crime members have been some of the most ardent fans of our show and led a campaign to persuade the ABC to commission a third series. So there’s a certain synchronicity in Every Cloud offering more direct support to the Scarlet Stiletto Awards.”
 
National Co-convenor, Michaela Lobb, said Sisters in Crime was thrilled with this top level support.
 
“We’re on cloud nine. It’s the first time the Scarlet Stiletto Awards have secured the support of a television production company. The fact that it’s the producers of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, a show so loved and admired by our members, makes it even more thrilling,” Lobb said.
 
“We’re also excited that Echo Publishing, the new adult publishing wing of The Five Mile Press, is the sponsor for 2nd prize ($1000). Long-time supporter, HarperCollins Publishing, is offering a new award for romantic suspense ($500).”
 
A record $9350 is on offer this year – up $650 from last year. Stories must have a crime or mystery theme, a female protagonist and a female author. The awards are amongst the richest short story competitions in Australia.

As well receiving Every Cloud Productions’ 1st Prize of $1500, the overall winner is presented with the coveted trophy, a scarlet stiletto with its steel heel plunging into a perspex mount.

Closing date for the awards was 31 August 2015. Entry fee is $15 (Sisters in Crime) or $20 (others). Maximum length is 5000 words. Entry forms are available at http://www.sistersincrime.org.au/node/88
 
The 22nd Scarlet Stiletto Awards are tentatively scheduled for 6.30pm Saturday 28 November at the Thornbury Theatre in Melbourne.
Media comment: Michaela Lobb, National Co-convenor, Sisters in Crime Australia:  0409 431 397 or michaelalobb@hotmail.com