Press Release: Prizes and Awards
Kelpies Prize 2010 Winner Announced
Posted at 7:23AM Monday 23 Aug 2010
Scottish publisher Floris Books yesterday revealed that Aberdeenshire author Caroline Clough is the winner of their annual Scottish children's fiction prize, the Kelpies Prize. The announcement was made at a packed ceremony at the Edinburgh International Book Festival attended by representatives from all aspects of Scotland's lively literary scene.The Edinburgh-based publisher re-launched the Kelpies Prize in 2004 with support from the Scottish Arts Council, now part of Creative Scotland, to encourage and reward Scottish writing for children. Caroline received a cheque for £2,000 on the night (see attached photograph). Her book will become the latest release in the Kelpies range published on 21st October 2010. Scottish children's author Gill Arbuthnott, whose debut novel was published by Floris Books, presented the award. In her speech Gill gave her advice to would-be authors, whose greatest challenge, she has found, is not having ideas but actually writing. She advised that sometimes the only option is to "feed the kids pot noodles, lock them in a cupboard and never do any housework." A shocked Caroline said that she was "thrilled to bits" about winning the prize. She also revealed that she had almost missed out on submitting an entry to the prize as she only became aware of the award's existence shortly before the deadline. The judges were very impressed to hear that Caroline was so determined to submit an entry that she wrote her novel in just ten days. Originally from Yorkshire, Caroline has lived in Aberdeenshire for nearly 30 years. As well as writing, she also directs and produces short films. Red Fever will be her first published novel. "We had several excellent entries this year", commented Sally Martin, Commissioning Editor for Floris Books. "But Red Fever stood out for its originality, atmospheric writing, and its vivid depiction of life on the Aberdeenshire coast in a post-apocalyptic world. We are thrilled to be publishing Red Fever and to welcome Caroline Clough as a new author to the Kelpies list." The other shortlisted authors were Elizabeth Spalton, author of Operation Bonobo which is set in Dumfries and Galloway, and Ritske Rensma, author of The Angel Ashariel, who flew in from his home in the Netherlands to attend the ceremony. Kelpies Prize 2011 Manuscripts are now invited for submission to the Kelpies Prize 2011. They must be set wholly, or mainly, in Scotland and be suitable for children aged 8 to 12. They may not have been previously commercially published, although the author may have been. The judges are looking primarily for a cracking story with strong characters, believable dialogue and a compelling atmosphere. The deadline is 28 February 2011. For full rules and guidelines, see www.florisbooks.co.uk/kelpiesprize More Information More information from Chani McBain, Sales & Marketing Executive, Floris Books Tel: 0131-337 2372 Email: chani@florisbooks.co.uk www.florisbooks.co.uk/kelpiesprize (includes press materials)
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