The Literary Contest of Novels for Youth 2013-2014

The prize-giving ceremony for the Literary Contest ‘Novels for Youth’ 2013-2014, took place last Sunday, 16th of November, 2014, in the Sacra Infermeria Hall, MCC, 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 8 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 Mr. Mark Camilleri’s (Executive Chairman of the National Book Council) speech, for the first time ever, the winners of this contest are being offerred creative writing ‘workshops’ to improve their writing skills, over and above the prizes mentioned above.

In her speech, Ms. 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.

During the ceremony, extracts from both winning manuscripts were read out to the audience.