Tayvallich author in finals of national literary competition
An empowering young adult novel, written by an Argyll author, has been listed as a finalist in a national competition.
Written by author Gill Stewart, from Tayvallich, Lily’s Just Fine was published in July 2019 and even before its publishing date had been nominated for a People’s Book Prize.
Celebrating its 11th awards ceremony, the People’s Book Prize is a literary competition aimed at finding, supporting and promoting new and undiscovered works. Winners are decided exclusively by the public.
Set in Dumfries and Galloway, Lily’s Just Fine is a novel dealing with many issues including mental health, LGBT+ prejudice and chronic illness. Lily Hildebrand can deal with anything life throws at her... almost. Lily’s Just Fine is the first in the Galloway Girls series published by Sweet Cherry Publishing.
Gill Stewart was born in England but has lived in South Africa, France and Zimbabwe.
Now a full-time writer, she lives in Tayvallich overlooking the beautiful west coast which inspires the settings in her other stories.
Gill said: ‘I was shocked and delighted to hear I was a finalist in this competition.
‘The book has had lots of great reviews but I never imagined anything like this.
‘The winner is chosen by votes from the public so I would be very grateful if anyone wanted to vote for Lily’s Just Fine.’
Vote for Lily’s Just Fine at peoplesbookprize.com/ summer-2019/lilys-just-fine.
Voting is open until Wednesday April 15.