“`html
A new literary prize has been established in memory of the acclaimed author Dame Hilary Mantel, aiming to champion emerging voices in fiction.
The Hilary Mantel Prize for Fiction is being launched on the third anniversary of her passing. This initiative follows the revelation of her private correspondence, which showed her dedication to mentoring aspiring writers throughout her career.
Organizers state that the biennial prize is open to unpublished writers residing in the UK or Ireland who do not have agent representation. The winner will receive a monetary award, mentorship from a literary agent, and a place on a residential writing course at the Arvon Foundation.
Dame Hilary, a Devon resident, was a two-time winner of the prestigious Booker Prize and is widely recognized for her novel “Wolf Hall,” which was adapted into a successful BBC television series.
The judging panel will be headed by bestselling author Maggie O’Farrell.
O’Farrell remarked, “Encouragement from a writer of Hilary Mantel’s stature is nothing short of transformative. It’s like winning a thousand lotteries for debut writers.”
The two authors shared a literary agent, and it was decided that creating an award for unpublished writers would be the most fitting way to honor Dame Hilary’s legacy.
O’Farrell shared that she received two letters from Dame Hilary when they were both shortlisted for the same literary prize.
She said she keeps the cherished correspondence folded within her books, adding, “Any letter from her was like everything she ever wrote – sparkling, incisive, and simply a joy to read.”
Dame Hilary, who resided in Budleigh Salterton, served as honorary president of the Budleigh Salterton Literature Festival for the final decade of her life before her death on September 22, 2020, at the age of 70. She was an integral part of the town’s community.
Katie Ward, an author invited by Dame Hilary to speak at the festival, shared her experience.
Ward, who has since published two books, recounted that she struggled to secure an agent for her first novel when Dame Hilary began mentoring her in her 20s.
She said, “I had received 44 rejections from agents… I was introduced by email, and Hilary was just so supportive and encouraging.”
“She mentioned, for example, that her first written novel wasn’t her first published novel, and that she had experienced the same challenges. We remained in contact for the last 15 years of her life.”
Current Budleigh Salterton Literature Festival director Kate Abbey stated, “Each year, we champion the work of debut authors through the Hilary Mantel Emerging Writers’ Panel.”
“Festivals and prizes like this new one play a crucial role in providing a platform and a voice for emerging talent.”
Dame Hilary published 17 books over the course of four decades.
Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].
Police say the blaze could have had devastating and fatal consequences.
National Highways says data found the area’s crash rate was “double the national average”.
The suspect was wearing dark clothing and riding a push bike, police say.
A man in his 40s is arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving in the Devon crash.
Councillor Nadine Dommett says last year’s trial shows EVs are “reliable and cost-effective”.
“`