Not all Scottish books for children feature a kilted man rowing across a loch. But it’s what it felt like to Theresa Breslin, many years ago as she contemplated what there was for Scottish children to read. She wanted something that was them, something which spoke their language.
Theresa was at the Writer’s Retreat in Charlotte Square last night to present the Kelpies Prize to the 2012 winner. Floris Books support the prize, which is for unpublished manuscripts, aimed at boys and girls aged eight to twelve, and set in Scotland. The winner receives a cheque for £2000 and the promise to be published by Floris Books.
It was my first party at the book festival, so I was excited, but relieved it wasn’t me who was wondering if they’d win. I had a drink, looked at the nibbles, spoke to Vanessa Robertson of the Edinburgh Bookshop, and to Theresa, who later introduced me to Lari Don, a former winner of the prize.
Someone from Floris spoke about the history behind the award, and then Janis MacKay who won in 2009 read excerpts from all three shortlisted books, by Tracy Traynor, Rebecca Smith and Debbie Richardson.
Then it was Theresa’s turn to speak (and she really didn’t need to say anything about me), which is when the kilted danger to literature was mentioned. As she spoke, I noticed a man creeping up towards the open door, and I wondered about gatecrashers, until I realised it was simply Mr B, wanting to enjoy his wife’s speech and to take photos of her. (I had been told he was engaged in something football related!)
It’s always hard when you don’t win, but I am really pleased for Tracy Traynor who did, and I think she’s got a promising sounding book in Nicking Time. (I had been admiring her purple dress beforehand, so perhaps I sensed she was the one.)
My photo-grapher was indisposed, and as you can see, so were my own photographic skills. But it was dark. And very red.
It was good to meet Benedicte and Chani from Floris, and they very kindly gave me a copy of Theresa’s new book called Scottish Folk and Fairy Tales, which has been gorgeously illustrated by Kate Leiper.
(The runners-up were Debbie Richardson with Pick ‘n’ Mix Mums, and Rebecca Smith with Shadow Eyes.)
It was lovely to meet you briefly at the Kelpies award, and I wish we’d been able to speak for longer (but it would have been rude to chat over Theresa’s speech!) I’m flattered that you describe me as a former winner of the Kelpies Prize, but actually, I’m not – I was shortlisted in 2007, but didn’t win. However, I will be talking about my 11th book, Maze Running, at the Edinburgh book festival tomorrow. So being shortlisted for the Kelpies Prize kickstarted my writing career anyway, even though I didn’t win! (And I made a point of chatting to Debbie and Rebecca on Friday night to give them hope for the future, because being shortlisted for a writing award is a huge boost, even if you don’t win!) I’m glad you enjoyed the party, and hope to see you again soon!
You didn’t win? Oh.
Well, it was very nice speaking to you anyway. But I’m gone tomorrow, unfortunately.