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29
November, 2001
TALENTED
YOUNG AUTHORS
A
group of school friends from mid-Wales will have the opportunity
of a lifetime during the next few weeks, as they have been
chosen as part of an ambitious project by S4C, the Welsh Books
Council, the children’s television programme Uned 5 and
publishers Y Lolfa to work with an established author to produce
a gripping novel for teenagers.
A
competition was launched on the Uned 5 programme some weeks
ago to select a group of young people to work with the author
Bethan Gwanas on the Nofel-T project, and there was an excellent
response with over 60 entries. With the help of the young
authors, Bethan will write the novel over the coming months
in preparation for the publishing date next June.
It
was announced on Uned 5 today (5pm, Thursday, 29 November)
that the chosen group were from Ysgol Dyffryn Teifi, Llandysul,
Ceredigion, having described themselves as an out-going, lively
group with plenty of new and exciting ideas for a novel. They
will now have the opportunity of sharing their ideas with
Bethan so that she can proceed with the work.
The
group of six are Year 9 pupils at the school and are looking
forward to the opportunity of working with Bethan. The group
include Dyfed Bowen, Helen Davies, Fflur Huysmans, Ifan Rees,
Seren Stacey and Gwenno Teifi.
Bethan
Gwanas is well known for her books for young people, including
the popular novel and subsequent television series Amdani,
about the tales of a women’s rugby team, and a bestseller
novel for young Welsh learners, Llinyn Trôns. Having
lived in Bangor, Cardiff, Nigeria and France, she has now
gone back to her roots in north Wales and lives near Dolgellau.
‘Writing
can be a very lonely process,’ said Bethan. ‘But
I’m now looking forward to working with the group from
Ceredigion. They will have make decisions about the characters,
the setting and everything that happens. My only contribution
will be to tell their story in words.’
There
will be ample opportunity to discuss the story-line with Bethan,
as she will pay regular visits to the school to gather their
ideas. Once Bethan has drafted the individual chapters, they
will be e-mailed to the school for the group’s approval.
The
novel’s development will be followed closely by the Uned
5 team, so that the viewers at home can learn about the latest
developments. The publication of the novel will be eagerly
awaited in the spring.
‘This
is a very ambitious project,’ said Meirion Davies, Commissioner
of Children’s programmes at S4C. ‘The response from
the individual schools was excellent, and it will be a great
opportunity for the pupils to work with someone as talented
and experienced as Bethan Gwanas.’
Menna
Lloyd Williams from the Books Council noted: ‘What was
so encouraging was that the group had so many original ideas,
and we are confident that they’ll have a bestseller on
their hands.’
Mared
Roberts from the publishers Y Lolfa added: ‘As one of
the most pioneering publishers in Wales, we are delighted
to be part of this exciting project, and look forward to publishing
the novel next spring.’
For
further information, please contact:
Elwyn Jones,
Welsh Books Council: 01970 624151
Bethan Gwanas: 01341 450230
Uned 5: 01286 678592
Ysgol Dyffryn Teifi: 01559 362310
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