The winner was chosen from four shortlisted titles, all by female writers.
And… (drum roll please!) … the winner is:
Diana Sweeney with The Minnow (formerly known as Flood Damage). Diana has won a publishing contract with Text worth $10,000.
This story is simultaneously sad and joyful. Publisher, Michael Heyward said, ‘You know when you pick up a book and it takes your breathe away? Well this book is like that.’ The Minnow is the story of a young girl struggling to find her way after a devastating flood claims the lives of her parents and sister.
On receiving the award, Diana was so busy trying not to cry that she had very few words to say. She thanked her husband for allowing her to write The Minnow over five years while he went to work. She finished with those timeless words: THANK YOU.
Diana Sweeney is a university lecturer and a model. Born in Auckland, she moved to Sydney when she was twelve. She now lives in northern New South Wales.
Michael Heyward was also excited to inform us that shortlisted title Waer by Meg Caddy will also be added to the strong Text stable of unique tales for children and young adults.
We’ll be waiting a while to read The Minnow, as the winner of each year’s Text Prize is generally not published until well into the following year, however the winner of the 2012 Text Prize, Zac & Mia by A J Betts, will be available in bookstores from 24th July 2013.
The 2014 Text Prize will open to submissions from 3 March – 4 April 2014.
Congratulations Diana and Meg on your success!
