2015 Winners of the Margaret Carey Scholarship

We are thrilled to announce the two winners of the Margaret Carey Scholarship. Awarded in memory of children's writer, illustrator and SCBWI volunteer Margaret Carey, the award is judged on a combination of writing merit and need. 






In the Picture Book Author / Illustrator category the winner is Alison O'Donnell for her picture book text The New LiBEARian. 


When Dee turns up for Storytime, she discovers that the librarian is missing… in fact she's been replaced by someone much hairier. Meet the new liBEARian.

QUOTE from Alison:

"I am delighted, humbled, and grateful to be awarded the Margaret Carey Scholarship. Thank you to the judges for choosing me as one of the recipients for 2015. Without this scholarship I wouldn't be attending this year's fabulous conference, which I am so looking forward to.

Like many SCBWI members, I find that writing can be a rollercoaster ride. Long periods of waiting in slush piles, persevering despite rejection letters, and lots of writing late at night.  I found myself wondering if my work would gain any recognition, let alone get published.

Like many SCBWI members, I find that writing can be a rollercoaster ride. Long periods of waiting in slush piles, persevering despite rejection letters, and lots of writing late at night

I can hardly wait for the conference in November. I've learned that SCBWI events are not just about learning and networking, but also about forging friendships with like-minded people who share the same passion. That said, I know the conference is going to help me enormously as I move to the next stage with my writing."


In the Young Adult / Middle Grade Author category the winner is Susan Brownrigg for her middle grade historical fantasy set in 13th Century Cambodia, Girl Churns Up Trouble.


Representing her late father, Chen La, 13, travels from China to the Khmer City of Indrapattha in search of the Royal Treasures. These include the Divine Cow, a White Elephant, the Ever Flowering Tree and the Amrita - an elixir of immortality. Without the treasures Chen La will be destitute - with them she could lose her only friend and put both their lives in danger.

QUOTE from Susan: 

"I am so chuffed to win the Margaret Carey scholarship, it was a complete surprise. I feel like I'm Cinderella and I've been told I can go to the ball!

I would like to thank everyone involved with the scholarship, winning has been a real boost to my confidence, and it's lovely knowing industry professionals felt my opening chapters showed promise.

This year I started attending NW region meetings. Critiquing other people's chapters and having feedback on mine has helped me strengthen my writing, so I am really looking forward to the Friday night crit.

Critiquing other people's chapters and having feedback on mine has helped me strengthen my writing

I also can't wait to pick up lots of tips from the keynote speakers and workshops. I'm particularly interested in hearing advice from the industry panel on hooking new readers and hope to attend break out talks by Candy Gourlay and Jasmine Richards.

Oh and I might be ever so slightly excited about the pirate party."


Honorary mentions were given to:

Cath Jones for Dozen Diggers Digging (picture book text)
Sarah Palmer for Odd Pig (illustration)
Jo Dearden for Grandad's Home (picture book text)
Alex Ivey for The Glass Hotel (young adult fiction)

Thank you to everyone who entered, and to our panel of industry-insider anonymous judges who read the entries and debated long and hard.

To those who didn't win this year, we wish you all the very best with your creative journey. Keep on going. Don't stop until you get there!

4 comments:

  1. Bravo to all those who took the time to submit - and big cheers to the winners!

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    Replies
    1. BIG congrats to both Alison and Susan and to all those who got a Highly Commended too!

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    2. Brilliant! Big pats on the back to all those mentioned, especially my friend, Cath Jones!! Onwards and upwards, Cath!! Jill

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  2. Wow, I think this is an opportunity to receive a scholarship for young writers a boost. Maybe even a few people stop to buy essays not plagiarized and imbued with this great art! I would like to believe in that)

    ReplyDelete

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