The Isle of Wight’s writing talent took centre stage yesterday as authors, poets, judges and book lovers gathered at the Island Sailing Club in Cowes for the annual Isle of Wight Book Awards.
And there was a double celebration at the top of the pile, with Kathryn Rossati’s Naturally Nic/k and David Gilbey’s Waterlands sharing the coveted Book of the Year title and the additional £500 prize.
A celebration of Island writing
The awards are as much about celebrating the Island’s literary community as competition, bringing together writers from across the Island and giving their work a chance to reach a wider audience. Yesterday’s relaxed and lively event was a celebration of the sheer variety of writing being produced here.
Fiction and non-fiction winners
In Fiction, Debra Collins took first place and the £200 prize with The Feathered Warriors of Bletchley Park. Jan Wright was second with A Different Way of Life, followed by Michael E Wills with May 1940: Destination Dunkirk. The category was judged by novelist Heidi Perks.
David Gilbey won the Non-Fiction prize, also £200, for Waterlands, judged by Angela Buckley. Josh Barry came second with The Pop Culture Handbook, while Francesca McLinden, writing as The Brontë Mumma, was third with Toddler On Tour: Viva España.
Children’s category success
In the Children’s category, Kathryn Rossati took first place with Naturally Nic/k, securing another £200 prize as well as sharing Book of the Year honours.
Hillary Love was second with Herman the Hermit Crab Moves House, and Julia Heywood third with The Day The Wifi Went For a Walk. The category was judged by Island author Kieran Larwood.
Poetry award honours Marion Carmichael
The new Marion Carmichael Poetry Award added a particularly poignant note to this year’s celebrations. The prize was established in memory of the much-loved Island poet Marion Carmichael, whose family were present to represent her.
Marion’s husband gave a deeply touching speech about her life and work, and movingly read one of her poems to the gathering – a fitting tribute to a writer who cared passionately about the Island’s creative community.
The inaugural Poetry prize was won by Robin Ford for Jellyfish, earning the £200 first prize. Robert Woodward was Highly Commended for Truth and Illusion, while Kathryn Rossati was also Highly Commended for Roar/Raw. The poetry was judged by Lily Blacksell.
Sponsors and fundraising
The awards were sponsored by Isle of Wight Festival, David and Patsy Franks, Creative Island and Island Storytellers, whose support helped make the event possible.
The afternoon also raised £435 for the Isle of Wight Youth Trust, through a raffle and the sale of judges’ copies of the submitted books. The Trust provides free, confidential mental health and wellbeing support for young people across the Island.
Writers supporting writers
But while there were prizes to be won, the overriding mood was one of mutual support rather than rivalry – with writers celebrating the achievements of their fellow Island authors.
From historical fiction and poetry to children’s stories, local landscapes and popular culture, this year’s awards provided a timely reminder that the Isle of Wight has a remarkably rich and varied literary scene – and plenty of writers worth shouting about.
News shared by Paul on behalf of Isle of Wight Book Awards. Ed
