Stephen M Finn (South Africa) is one of six shortlisted African authors for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2025. (Photo: Qhaunis Kruunu)

The Commonwealth Short Story Prize is awarded annually for the best piece of unpublished short fiction from any of the Commonwealth’s 54 member states.

An international judging panel selected the 25 writers from almost 8,000 total entries – a record-breaking number and nearly ten percent higher than 2024.  

Six writers from the African continent feature on the 2025 Commonwealth Short Story Prize shortlist.

Jannike Bergh conducted interviews with the shortlisted authors from Africa. Below is an interview with Stephen M Finn (South Africa).

Hello and congratulations on being shortlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2025! Please tell me a bit about who you are and what you usually write.

I’ve been a journalist, teacher and academic. Now, I’m mainly a writer in various genres (nonfiction as well as fiction) and an animal rights activist. The focus of my writing is on the oppressed and on social outsiders.

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As my concentration is on hapless hypocrisy and odious oppression both of humans and of animals, the subjects of my writing can be related to similar situations in many countries.

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Could you tell me about your country and what you experience as story material in the country you are from? How does one shed clichés and tell a story that is uniquely one’s own and universal at the same time?

South Africa is a complicated country still recovering from the inequalities of its colonial past and also trying, even if haphazardly, to overcome what appears to be endemic corruption. As my concentration is on hapless hypocrisy and odious oppression both of humans and of animals, the subjects of my writing can be related to similar situations in many countries.

What is your story about, and what inspired you to write this specific story?

My story, “Broken string”, focuses on an elder from the Khoisan community who is outside the seat of government in South Africa, protesting against the political oppression and cultural and linguistic exclusion of her people, the earliest inhabitants of this country. I was inspired to write this story when I saw and engaged with members of the Khoisan community who camped outside the Union Buildings in Pretoria for seven years. The protagonist is not based on a particular person. I wrote this before they were finally evicted, having failed to achieve their aims.

Do you think stories can make a difference? Tell me about a story you have read that you still think about.

Of course, stories can make a difference to readers, whether they entertain by offering a temporary escape from the problems and frustrations of their worlds, or, conversely, whether they encourage them to pursue a deeper understanding of the situations depicted, and even to act differently or with more commitment thereafter. Stories in various genres that have influenced me over the years include Herman Charles Bosman’s Unto dust with its blistering racial bigotry, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Half of a yellow sun with its horrors of colonialism and racial inequality, and, still, after many years, George Orwell’s fabular Animal farm, which is so relevant today.

What does it mean for you to be shortlisted for a prize like this?

It is both a thrill and an honour to be recognised in this way, serving as extra (and sometimes needed) motivation to write more and also consistently in various genres, particularly that of the short story.

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My advice for young writers (and older ones, too) is to write what you want to write, be passionate about what you’re writing, read widely, embrace your experiences and persevere.

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What is your writing process, and what do you typically do once you have finished a piece and sent it into the world?

I try to write for several hours a day, but often think about where a story is going (or where a character is taking me) when I’m walking, at gym or playing the piano. When I submit a work, I turn to all of these as a break and also to renew my perspectives, and I read widely, both fiction and nonfiction.

A fast-changing world has introduced AI into our lives, whether we like it or not. While some may embrace it and include it in their creative process, what are your thoughts on the matter?

Although I’m not a Luddite, I haven’t used AI yet. My concern is that AI might take away some of the spontaneity and originality in the creative process.

From your experience, what advice or message do you have for young writers?

My advice for young writers (and older ones, too) is to write what you want to write, be passionate about what you’re writing, read widely, embrace your experiences and persevere.

Also read:

Press release: 2025 Commonwealth short story prize shortlist announced

Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2025 shortlist: an interview with Priscilla Ametorpe Goka

Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2025 shortlist: an interview with Vashish Jaunky

Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2025 shortlist: an interview with Joshua Lubwama