Author’s Sharp Focus puts him in line for prestigious award
AN Ashbourne-based author has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.
Originally from Hexham in the North East, Duncan Robb is in line for the Lindisfarne Prize for Crime Fiction, a literary award which celebrates the outstanding crime and thriller storytelling of those who are from, or whose work celebrates, the North East of England.
Duncan’s submission, Sharp Focus, follows the story of journalist Susie Jones, who investigates criminals behind a junk email scam, and finds herself confronted by a rogue chemist, a corrupt politician, unlicensed medication and a terrorist plot to bring down the regulatory body.
She discovers a connection closer to home and is faced with a desperate race to prevent tragedy.
Duncan is one of five writers on the shortlist, whose works will be judged by an esteemed panel.
He said: “What an absolute thrill to get the news. I’m sure all debut writers must harbour the same doubts about the quality of their work, and finding objective opinion is difficult.
“Being shortlisted is in many ways like a tick of approval and is a real boost to my confidence.”
The winner of the prize will be announced on August 31 and will receive a cash prize to support the completion of their work, alongside funding for membership of the Society of Authors and the Alliance of Independent Authors.
Now in its fourth year, the Lindisfarne Prize for Crime Fiction was founded by author LJ Ross and is sponsored by her publishing imprint Dark Skies Publishing, in association with the Newcastle Noir and Newcastle Libraries.
The aim of the prize is not only to provide financial support, but to help build and maintain creative confidence for new, emerging and established writers in the crime and thriller genre.
LJ Ross said: “It’s always a real privilege to read the Lindisfarne Prize shortlist, and each year to see how the North East of England continues to inspire such creativity.
“I admire anyone with the courage to write, so I applaud all this year’s entries, and congratulate those who’ve been shortlisted from amongst such an outstanding selection.
“I can hardly believe the prize is now in its fourth year – I hope it can continue to inspire and support the arts in our region for many more years to come.”