19th September, 2014

Francesca Rhydderch and Jonathan Edwards Shortlisted for Major Awards

The Rice Paper Diaries author, Francesca Rhydderch, has been shortlisted for the BBC National Short Story Award for her short story The Taxidermists Daughter, while Jonathan Edwards has been shortlisted for the Fenton Aldeburgh First Collection Prize, with his book of poetry My Family and Other Superheroes.
The Taxidermists Daughter depicts a young girl in post-war rural Wales first becoming aware of her sexuality and the attractions of an older man. The Story will be broadcast on Radio 4 on Wednesday 24th September and you can listen live here. Francesca faces stiff competition from Zadie Smith, Lionel Shriver, Rose Tremain and Tessa Hadley. The winner will be announced on Radio 4’s Front Row on 30th September.
Jonathan Edwards’ superheroes are a motley crew. Ian Rush, Marty McFly, Evel Knievel as well Valley’s mams and dads will have to compete alongside Fiona Benson, Niall Campbell, Helen Mort and David Tait for the esteemed award. The winner will be announced at the start of the 26th Aldeburgh Poetry Festival in November.