Former Advertiser reporter's book up for top UK award

May 1 2008

A BOOK by a former Advertiser reporter is up for a top award.

DarkIsle, the debut novel by Dawn Nelson, has been shortlisted for the 2008 Royal Mail Scottish Children's Book Awards in the 8-11 years section.

Dawn, who worked with the Advertiser in the 1990s, lives in Cardross with her husband and daughter.

Before its official UK launch, DarkIsle was sold to the USA, Japan, Germany and Korea. It’s the first of a series of novels.

The story starts in Irvine, where a stone dragon that sits above the beach becomes one of the main characters. Locations in Glasgow, Oban and a mysterious Western Isle also feature.

Dawn said: “I am really excited about being nominated. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that DarkIsle would be up for a national award.”

Managing director of Strident Publishing, Keith Charters added: “To make the shortlist confirms that DarkIsle is a riveting read. People fall in love with the characters and plot and with the book’s sense of humour.”

The winners of the awards are decided by children and young people around Scotland who vote for their favourites.

Winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony in November. DarkIsle is avail able in paperback from this week.