Crozier wins 2023 Text Prize
Lauren Crozier has won the $10,000 Text Prize for her debut middle-grade novel The Best Witch in Paris.
Text said the novel was ‘a dazzling adventure loaded with larger-than-life characters, enchanting backdrops, and a magical mystery you’ll delight in unravelling’. Luna is a spirited young witch raised by her aunts in the witches’ quarters of Paris and Melbourne, after they discovered her as a baby beneath a magic tree. When she is paired with her first familiar—a boobook owl called Silver—Luna is over the moon. But she soon discovers that the deliciously evil Madame Valadon has claimed the owl as hers and will stop at nothing to steal it, including casting doubt on Luna’s status as a witch. The High Council of Magic strips Luna of her magical birthright, and Madame Valadoon continues her nefarious quest to establish herself as the best witch in Paris … Determined to prove her power and solve the mystery of her birth, Luna embarks on a quest of her own—one that will surprise and empower her.
The winning manuscript was chosen from a shortlist of six announced earlier this month.
Crozier, a writer and editor who lives on Gayamaygal land with her husband and young children, said having her debut novel published by Text would be ‘a dream come true’. ‘Writing The Best Witch in Paris was such a joyful experience, and I’m utterly delighted to have been awarded the 2023 Text Prize … I would like to thank the Text team for this incredible opportunity and to congratulate all the authors shortlisted for this year’s prize.’
Said Text publisher Michael Heyward: ‘The Best Witch in Paris is destined to entertain legions of middle-grade readers. It’s funny and full of life, a charming mystery starring a boobook owl, a range of fabulous witches, and an unforgettable central character. We can’t wait to publish it!’
The winner of last year’s prize was Megan Williams for the forthcoming YA novel Let’s Never Speak of This Again. Text will announce the recipient of the Steph Bowe Mentorship for Young Writers tomorrow, Tuesday 20 June.
Category: Awards Local news
