£2k cash prizes to help new writers’ careers

The Scottish Book Trust has awarded 11 new writers a £2,000 cash prize to help boost their careers.

With funding from Creative Scotland, the charity selected recipients of its New Writers Awards from authors and poets who had not yet published a full-length book or collection.

The judging panel included Scots Makar Jackie Kay and authors Tendai Huchu, Janice Galloway and Denise Mina.

The Gaelic Books Council selected two people for the Gaelic New Writer Award.

Former winners of the prize include Man Booker Prize shortlistee Graeme Macrae Burnet.

The 11 recipients will each receive a £2,000 award and mentoring.

Hazel Knox from Edinburgh, was named a winner in the children’s and young adult category.

She said: “I missed the call from Scottish Book Trust and after I spoke to them I went back and listened to their message six times to convince myself it definitely happened.

“I’m excited they see potential in my writing and very grateful for the opportunity.”

Marc Lambert, chief executive of Scottish Book Trust, said: “In uncertain times, it is more important than ever to celebrate and discover new writers in Scotland.

“Working within Covid restrictions, Scottish Book Trust will support the awardees through online training, workshops and mentoring.”

The 2021 winners are: Poetry: Nasim Rebecca Asl, Thomas Stewart, Tim Craven. Children’s and Young Adult: Hazel Knox, Sally Costelloe. Fiction and Narrative Non-fiction: Deborah Chu, Gillian Shearer, Hannah Nicholson, Samantha Dooey-miles. Gaelic: Beth Frieden, Roddy Neithercut.