December 21, 1999
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

New literary category in 2000 Provincial Arts and Letters Competition announced

Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, in conjunction with the Writers' Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced a new literary category in the 2000 Provincial Arts and Letters Competition, The Percy Janes First Novel Award for unpublished first novelists.

"This award is being established to permanently commemorate the life and work of one of Newfoundland's distinguished writers, Percy Maxwell Janes, who died in February 1999 at the age of 76, and to support and encourage emerging Newfoundland writers who wish to make a serious commitment to writing," said Mr. Fyrey.

The Percy Janes First Novel Award is for a full-length, unpublished novel manuscript with a minimum of 30,000 words, and has a cash award of $1,000. Entries must be received by 5 p.m., February 18, 2000, at the Arts and Letters Competition Office or post marked by that date. Late entries will not be accepted.

Detailed rules and application forms are available at the Arts and Letters Competition Office, located at the Arts and Culture Centre in St. John's, or by calling (709) 729-5253.

Media contact: Regina Best, Co-ordinator, Arts and Letters Competition, (709) 729-5253.

1999 12 21 4:45 p.m.