Arts lecturer wins coveted literature prize

A York St John University literature lecturer was among 24 authors presented with a prestigious Society of Authors award at a ceremony held in London on 13 June.

Dr Abi Curtis, Head of Programme for MA Contemporary Literature and MA Creative Writing won a Somerset Maugham Award for ‘The Glass Delusion’, a collection of poetry (Salt 2012). The Somerset Maugham Awards enable writers to enrich their work through foreign travel and are given for a published work of any genre (except drama) by a writer under 35. Dr Curtis received her award alongside three other authors, each winning £2,500.

Commenting on her award Dr Curtis said:
“It’s always great to have your work recognised, and this will provide an opportunity for travel which will inspire future writing.”

The annual Society of Authors awards are a significant date in the literary calendar. The suite of awards are funded by various individuals and trusts, with prizes for historical biography, novels and poetry. This year the awards were presented by the poet and playwright Carol Ann Duffy CBE, FRSL on Thursday 13 June at the Army and Navy Club, London.