Williams named inaugural Lynley Dodd Children’s Writers Award recipient

Aotearoa New Zealand’s Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi has announced Janine Williams, also known by her pen name J L Williams, as the inaugural recipient of the $30,000 Lynley Dodd Children’s Writers Award.

Williams’ first novel, Holding the Horse (Cave Books), was shortlisted in the NZSA Best First Book category at the 2023 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults, and received a Storylines Notable Book Award in 2022. The sequel, Like the Wind (Ocean Echo Books), also received a Storylines Notable Book Award in 2023.

Williams was chosen as the winner by an independent panel comprising authors David Hill, Tim Tipene and Tessa Duder. ‘Janine Williams came closest to fulfilling Dame Lynley’s wish: that the award should provide a boost of confidence and financial support to a talented emerging writer, just as the Choysa Bursary had helped her early in her own career,’ said the judges.

The Lynley Dodd Children’s Writers Award is backed by a long-term gift from Dodd, inspired by a pivotal moment in her career when a financial gift transformed her path, enabling her to continue writing, through which she ultimately became a celebrated writer and illustrator.

The Lynley Dodd Children’s Writers Award will be presented every two years, alternating with the Mallinson Rendel Illustrators Award, which recognises children’s illustrators. Both awards are chosen by independent panels and are not open for application.

Category: Awards Local news