The Dublin Literary Award

Tell Me a Story - comment.

So first-time writers can get recognized after all! It's about time. There is hope for us !

Boston-born writer, Michael Thomas has been bestowed the Dublin Literary Award for his debut novel, 'Man Gone Down'.


The prize is among the literary world's most rewarding, with a grant of $140,000 - pretty incredible.





Michael Thomas overcame a solid consortium of writers in the final list that even included Junot Diaz' Pulitzer Prize winning 'The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao'.

Well done, Michael. Let's hope there is more to come from you. You give all new writers hope.

*** Michael Thomas, Michael Thomas, Michael Thomas ***

*** Dublin Literary Award, Dublin Literary Award, Dublin Literary Award ***

• Next post on Tell Me a Story.

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End of post - The Dublin Literary Award
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Freedom of speech and author, Liu Xiaobo

Tell Me a Story - Opinion.

Wow! This makes me feel humble. I might spout off every now and then, I might moan about things I don’t agree with, but would I do it if there were a threat of a jail sentence hanging over me for doing it?

Freedom of speech.

We in the Western world, forget just how lucky we are. We forget that freedom of speech has to be fought for. We forget that most people in the world are afraid of mouthing their opinions in case of state retribution… To wit: -

Even though his jail sentence has just been completed, the Chinese writer, Liu Xiaobo, remains in custody in Beijing, as the establishment maintains he is still in violation of China’s criminal law.

Mr Liu, 53, was detained by police on December 8, one day before the publication of the Charter ‘08 document that he co-authored with more than 300 fellow intellectuals who were calling for a new constitution, human rights, elections, freedom of religion and expression and an end to the Communist Party’s hold over the military, courts and government.

“The Public Security Bureau say they must keep investigating his case,” Mr Liu’s lawyer said.

Surely, all they were asking for were basic human-rights, things we take for granted over here?

I suppose it just reinforces how much importance is actually placed on writers. We tend to forget that people actually read our work .... and some might even follow our advice ....

*** Liu Xiaobo, Liu Xiaobo, Liu Xiaobo ***

• Next post on Tell Me a Story.

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Writing tips – manuscript submissions guidelines 15 vital checks
Overcoming writer’s block
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End of post - Freedom of speach and author, Liu Xiaobo