Coleraine writer wins Michael McLaverty Short Story Award

A Coleraine writer has won the international Michael McLaverty Short Story Award.

Mandy Taggart received a cheque for £2,000 and her work, entitled Ways of the North, which has been published by the Linen Hall Library, Belfast.

Mandy’s Ways of the North is a poignant comment on childhood in the turbulent political climate of Northern Ireland.

“This is an honour and an absolute delight,” said Mandy.

“The award is an encouragement for new writers. This is the first time I have ever been placed in something like this.

“What has helped give me time to focus on my writing is the support from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland via their Support for the Individual Artist Programme.”

John Killen, Linen Hall Librarian said: “There were 113 entries for the 2012 Michael McLaverty Short Story Award. Mandy Taggart’s entry was the run away favourite. As the Library moves into its 225th year in 2013, we hope to continue supporting and promoting new writing talent for the next 225 years.”

The competition was adjudicated by two highly esteemed literary figures, Anne Tannahill, freelance editor and former MD of Blackstaff press, and Irish novelist Jennifer Johnston.

The Michael McLaverty Short Story Award is named after one of Ireland’s foremost exponents of the short story. His extensive archive was presented to the Linen Hall Library in 2005.

Ways of the North will be available to purchase exclusively at the Linen Hall Library for £5.