In this article, we interview Tess Allen, Not Quite Write Prize regular since January 2024, winning third place on her first attempt!
Hi Tess, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your experience with writing?
I’ve been conjuring up stories in my head since I was a child, but I started creative writing about seven years ago. I was an environmental scientist for over 15 years so was no stranger to writing but creative writing is so different to passive report writing! I’ve completed a few courses through Australian Writers’ Centre and, in 2023, was lucky enough to secure a mentorship with Western Australian author, Sasha Wasley, which has been invaluable for both learning and building community.
You achieved a Not Quite Write Prize longlisting (in April 2024) and third place (in January 2024), which is an impressive strike rate. What’s your secret?
Ha, no secret, sadly! But I usually approach the Not Quite Write Prize by mulling over the prompts and anti-prompts in my head before I start writing. I’m not afraid to ditch a draft and start again if it’s not going anywhere. If I’m not excited to write it, I doubt anyone is going to be excited to read it!
Your story, As Far As The Eye Can See, featured in the Not Quite Write Prize print anthology. What did it feel like to hold the finished book in your hands?
I received my NQW Anthology in the post just before Christmas – what a festive treat! There’s something extraordinary about opening the pages of a book to see your name in print. In 2024, I was lucky enough to have two stories printed in anthologies and, as for most writers, it’s just a dream come true!
We understand you’re currently working on a longer-form writing project. Can you tell us a bit about it?
My first novel is in a similar vein to many of the flash fiction stories I write – it’s a domestic suspense set in London following two women – a struggling mother of one and an Australian woman – whose lives become entangled. There’s jealousy, betrayals and murder…
With my youngest going into full-time school this year, I’m hopeful 2025 is the year I finally write The End!
How do you find longer-form writing compares to writing flash fiction?
Long-form writing so different to flash. Flash is fast and fun and is great to hone your storytelling skills but writing a novel takes A LOT of perseverance. I had no idea just how much work it would be before I started. I’ve been working on my novel for five years now. Sadly, I’ve told people I’m writing a book, so now I’ve got to finish it!
Can you share any words of wisdom with our Not Quite Write Prize hopefuls?
Don’t rush to submit – get your story down but then edit and rework it. Then, leave it for a few hours and rework it some more. I love the ‘Read Aloud’ function on Word for my final review. My husband is a close second as my beta-reader 😉
About Tess
Tess Allen is a creative writer and sustainability specialist who resides in Boorloo (Perth), Australia. She’s had writing success with Furious Fiction, the Not Quite Write Prize and, in 2024, featured in Night Parrot Press’s Ourselves: 100 Micro Memoirs.
Last year, Tess found herself on the organising committee for Australia’s newest literary festival, Festival of Fiction. It’s the brainchild of Australian author Tess Woods and celebrates all things fiction. If you’ll be in Perth in October 2025, she’d highly recommend coming along!
You can connect with Tess at: