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11
October 2001
BOOK
AWARDS FOR TWO POPULAR AUTHORS
Two
popular authors, who have inspired thousand of children
to enjoy reading and poetry, are this year's winners
of the Welsh-language categories of the Tir na n-Og
awards.
BETHAN
GWANAS, author of the successful novel Amdani,
about the exploits of a women's rugby team, is the winner
of the Best Fiction Category. The award is given for
her latest novel Llinyn Trôns
(Y Lolfa), which tells the story of a group of students
at an outdoor-pursuits centre. The volume has already
sold 1,600 copies.
A
native of Dolgellau, Bethan lived in France for a year
before working in Nigeria with a voluntary overseas
project. Following her return to Wales, she has worked
as a teacher, for the Urdd movement and for Radio Cymru.
She is now a full-time author and promotes reading activities
in Gwynedd.
The
winner of the Best Non-Fiction Category is MYRDDIN AP
DAFYDD, for the volume of poetry Jam
Coch Mewn Pwdin Reis (Hughes). Myrddin was
the first to receive the title Children's Poet Laureate
in 2000 and, as Director of the publishing house Gwasg
Carreg Gwalch, he has been active in promoting poetry
to children and teenagers.
During
his time as the Children's Poet Laureate, Myrddin ap
Dafydd wrote several poems to note the event, as well
as organising a number of poetry workshops in schools.
The volume Jam Coch Mewn Pwdin
Reis is a collaboration between Myrddin and
the children.
The
Tir na n-Og Awards are presented annually by the Welsh
Books Council to acknowledge the work of children's
authors and illustrators. The winner in each category
receives a prize of �1,000. The ceremony was broadcast
live on S4C's children's programme Uned
5 on Thursday, 11 October.
Winners
of the Tir na n-Og 2001 Awards
Best
Welsh-language Fiction
Llinyn
Trôns, Bethan Gwanas (Y Lolfa)
Best
Welsh-language Non-Fiction
Jam Coch Mewn Pwdin Reis, Myrddin ap Dafydd (Hughes)
For
further information please contact Elwyn Jones, Marketing
Officer, Welsh Books Council, Castell Brychan, ABERYSTWYTH,
Ceredigion SY23 2JB Tel: 01970 624151 e-mail: elwyn.jones@cllc.org.uk
Bethan
Gwanas 01341 422771; Myrddin ap Dafydd 01492 642031
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