The shortlists for the 2015 Premier’s Literary Prizes have been announced at the opening of the Tasmanian Writers and Readers Festival.
The shortlisted books in the 2015 Premier’s Literary Prizes have been selected by an independent judging panel, who had the difficult task of narrowing down over 150 entries to shortlists for the four prizes.
The judges are Hamish Maxwell-Stewart (Chair), Matthew Lamb, Lian Tanner, Chris Gallagher and Kate Gordon.
The Premier’s Literary Prizes recognise works in a range of categories including books by Tasmanian authors, and books with Tasmanian content.
Chair of the judging panel, Hamish Maxwell-Stewart said the judges “were looking for works that said something new about Tasmania and the way Tasmania has shaped the lives of those who live here, or have lived here.”
“We put a heavy emphasis on good writing, looking for works with a sense of narrative and strong characterisation, be that of people, things or places,” Professor Maxwell-Stewart said.
“Given the contentious nature of much of Tasmania’s past we were on the lookout for works that held contradictory views, which gave voice to multiple arguments. The judges were interested in books which helped to shape the way people thought about Tasmania for years to come.”
Voting in the People’s Choice Awards is now open. By voting people can go into a draw to win all the shortlisted books and an invitation to the gala announcement of the winners of the prizes at Government House on 2 December.
For more information about the shortlists for the Premier’s Literary Prizes and to vote in the People’s Choice Awards visit the Tasmanian Arts Guide www.tasmanianartsguide.com.au/plp
2015 Premier’s Literary Prizes shortlists
Margaret Scott Prize – best book by a Tasmanian writer.
Tasmania Book Prize – best book with Tasmanian content in any genre.
University of Tasmania Prize, for the best new unpublished literary work by an emerging Tasmanian writer.
Tasmanian Young Writer’s Fellowship. This new $5,000 prize has been generously supported by private philanthropists and will be awarded to a young writer. It celebrates the strength and breadth of young Tasmanian writing and acknowledges that talent is evident regardless of age or career history.