2025 SJV Awards finalists announced

“The Sand Witch’s Sandwich” is a finalist for Best Short Story in the Sir Julius Vogel Awards (New Zealand’s science fiction and fantasy awards)!

The Sand Witch's Sandwich by G. B. Ralph. Sir Julius Vogel Award Finalist medallion in the foreground. Lighthouse on a rocky outcrop in the background.

I’m so grateful to everyone who nominated my short story for the SJV Awards, and so pleased to see it making the shortlist.

Next up will be judging and “the awards will be announced at a ceremony to be held later in the year”. So, presumably still plenty of time to go. An exciting update nonetheless!

I’ve taken a screenshot of the Best Short Story shortlist below. Or you can see the full list of finalists in all categories in the announcement on the Science Fiction and Fantasy Association of New Zealand (SFFANZ) website:

2025 Sir Julius Vogel Award finalists announced

Science Fiction and Fantasy Association of New Zealand (SFFANZ). Sir Julius Vogel Award Finalists 2025. List including "The Sand Witch's Sandwich" by G. B. Ralph. Arrow pointing to test reading "As featured in The Law of Consequences fantasy anthology".

The Sand Witch’s Sandwich tells the tale of a curious young girl, an eccentric old witch, and a capricious coastline. Pack your lunch and join Ellie as she clambers around the rocks to explore beyond the lighthouse. Be careful though, you never know what you might find…

If you’re keen to read it for yourself, grab a copy of The Law of Consequences fantasy anthology and you’ll also be treated to 19 other fantastical tales from a brilliant group of authors!