TORONTO, Sept. 12, 2016 /CNW/ - Toronto-based writer Laura Legge has won the RBC/PEN Canada New Voices Award for works by unpublished writers aged 18-30.
"PEN does vital work, both domestically and internationally, and I am humbled to have my story recognized by such a sterling organization," said Legge. "Writers from across the globe need champions of their work, and I consider myself incredibly lucky to have the support of PEN and its esteemed New Voices jury."
Legge's "Dress, Rehearse" was selected by jurists Dionne Brand, Emily Keeler and Nino Ricci. The short story introduces readers to Farah, a woman who has been released from prison after committing a crime with her still-incarcerated sister. It draws on Legge's experiences as an advocate for criminal justice reform, teaching workshops in a women's prison and half-way house.
As the winner of the Canadian competition, Legge receives a $1,000 cash prize and mentorship from distinguished Canadian author and PEN Canada president, Randy Boyagoda. Her story will represent Canada in PEN International's competition where Legge's work has already been short-listed by jurists Mircea Cărtărescu, Laia Jufresa, Lee Yew Leong, Andrei Kurkov, John Ralston Saul and Annelies Verbeke. The PEN International New Voices Award winner will be announced at the 82nd PEN International Congress in Ourense, Spain on September 28, 2016.
"We are delighted to have Laura Legge representing the talent of young Canadian writers on the international stage," said PEN Canada's Executive Director, Grace Westcott. "PEN believes that writers, and young writers in particular, can bring an important voice to social issues. This award is meant to encourage and showcase that voice."
Legge was a finalist for the 2013 Journey Prize for her story "It's Raining in Paris" and the 2014 CBC Short Story Prize for "Tukisiviit?" which details the downfall of a culturally insensitive geography teacher in a Northern community. Her published work has appeared in the Mid-American Review, North American Review, The Walrus, Witness, Meridian, and The Manchester Review.
The RBC/PEN Canada New Voices Award is generously funded by the RBC Emerging Artists Project and will be presented at the PEN Canada benefit at the International Festival of Authors on October 22, 2016.
Background information:
Available for interview:
PEN Canada is a nonpartisan organization of writers that works with others to defend freedom of expression as a basic human right at home and abroad. PEN Canada promotes literature, fights censorship, helps free persecuted writers from prison, and assists writers living in exile in Canada. www.pencanada.ca
Our thanks to CNW Group for sponsoring this announcement.
SOURCE PEN Canada
Image with caption: "Toronto-based writer Laura Legge is the RBC/PEN Canada New Voices Award winner. (CNW Group/PEN Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160912_C6797_PHOTO_EN_770366.jpg
For interviews and further information: Amy Smith, PEN Canada, [email protected], 416-703-8448 ext. 27
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