Two authors take home Novels for Youth prize
Stephen Lughermo and Leanne Ellul win ‘literature for youths’ award at the Book Festival.
Leanne Ellul receiving the Novels for Youth prize for her novel 'Gramma'
Stephen Lughermo receiving the Novels for Youth prize for his novel ‘X’aħna Smart’
The prize-giving ceremony for the Literary Contest ‘Novels for Youth’ 2013-2014, took place last Sunday, 16 November at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta as part of the National Book Festival 2014 programme of events.
The contest is a collaboration between the National Book Council and Aġenzija Żgħażagħ.
The two winners selected from amongst eight submitted manuscripts were Stephen Lughermo with his novel ‘X’aħna Smart’ who placed first and Leanne Ellul with her novel ‘Gramma’.
Both winners were presented with a symbolic trophy, a €1,000 cash prize and a commemorative certificate. As delineated in Mark Camilleri’s (Executive Chairman of the National Book Council) speech, for the first time ever, the winners of this contest are being offered creative writing ‘workshops’ to improve their writing skills, over and above the prizes mentioned above.
In her speech, Miriam Teuma (Chief Executive of Aġenzija Zgħażagħ) told the audience that this contest will be launched again early next year for emerging writers interested in participating and honing their writing skills even more.
Both winning manuscripts will be published by publishers chosen following a call for expression of interest in the Government Gazette and local newspapers.
