Big publishers dominate this year’s longlist for the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2015 which was announced at the Goethe-Institut, Max Mueller Bhavan October 20, 2014. The longlist of ten books includes a mix of established writers and debut novelists from different backgrounds and geographies including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, some of …
Double win for unpublished writer Mahsuda Snaith
An unpublished writer from Leicester has secured first prize in two national writing awards. Emerging talent, Mahsuda Snaith was named the winner of the SI Leeds Prize, at an awards ceremony at the Ilkley Literature festival (October 15) and winner of the 2014 Bristol Short Story Prize a week later (October 25). Bristol Short Story …
Bidisha to serialise novel
Broadcaster and journalist announced yesterday (September 24) that she would be publishing her latest novel-length of new fiction online, over a period of six weeks starting today. Esha Ex tells the story of orphan, Esha, who despite her background is determined to break away and make a life for herself. On her blog, Bidisha writes …
SALF set to return in 2015
The South Asian Literature Festival, organised by Bhavit Mehta and Jon Slack of Amphora Arts, will be taking a year-long break. The festival, held across 10 days in London is set to return in 2015. Since its inception in 2010, SALF has hosted prominent authors at more than 200 events across London, with a range …
Hanif Kureishi wins Asian Achievers Outstanding Achievement Award
Renowned literary giant, Hanif Kureishi was presented with The Asian Achievers Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts last week (September 19). The awards celebrate individuals who are responsible for bringing the South Asian community to centre stage. Kureishi was nominated in the Media, Arts and Culture category, beating off a strong list of nominees …
Neel Mukherjee shortlisted for Man Booker Prize
Neel Mukherjee has made the shortlist of the Man Booker Prize (September 9, 2014). It’s the first year the prize has been opened to all authors writing in English, regardless of nationality. Howard Jacobson is in the running to be the first British man to win twice. Joshua Ferris, Richard Flanagan, Karen Joy Fowler, Howard …
SI Leeds Prize shortlist
The SI Leeds Literary Prize, a groundbreaking award for unpublished fiction by Black and Asian women writers based in the UK have announced their shortlist for this year’s prize. The shortlist includes: The Constellation of Ravine Roy – Mahsauda Snaith Hanging From The Hammer of The Bell – Season Butler Blue in Green – Kit de Waal …
First Novel Competition – update
Our announcement for the First Novel Competition result is long overdue. It was no easy task to judge. There were a number of super novels on the list which I loved for different reasons. Many congratulations to our finalists and winner. Here they are: Shortlist of the First Novel Competition Barsa Ray A Son to Eclipse …
Reading South Asian Literature and Why Diverse Books Really Do Matter
It wasn’t until university that I read a single book by an Asian writer – it was my final year and I had signed up to an Introduction to South Asian Literature, partly out of some sense of loyalty (I had spent the last two years being the only Asian person on my course, at …
Imran Siddiq on learning the art of writing
Passion for reading from a young age sowed the seed for writing stories. After life got in the way I rekindled that passion in 2007 to sacrifice time to write. The last five years have been a learning curve in terms of how to write, practice, tips, as well as elements that I didn’t respect …