A Beano-inspired slice of murderous Victoriana has scooped this year’s Dundee International Book Prize and £10,000 for its author.
More importantly for teacher Alan Wright (59), he has also won a publishing deal for his book Act Of Murder for winning the competition, the largest contest for unpublished writers in the UK.
Act Of Murder is a fictional historical novel set in Alan’s Lancashire hometown of Wigan.
It centres upon the grisly murder of entertainer Richard Throstle, who is killed shortly after bringing his ghoulish magic lantern show to the town.
More than 110 writers from across the globe entered this year’s competition and Mr Wright said his early inspiration for writing came from reading comics produced in Dundee by D. C. Thomson such as The Beano and The Dandy.
He produced his own comic Thrills and developed a life-long love of literature.
He studied English literature at Leeds University and went on to become an English teacher.
Although a published short story writer, Act Of Murder is his first novel.
“I suppose it is only aspiring writers who can fully understand what winning such a prize means,” he said.
“It was much, much easier to become a published author 70 or so years ago and it takes an act of great courage from the organisers and sponsors of the Dundee prize to support new writing in such a positive way.”
The prize is a collaboration between the Dundee University, Dundee City Council and Polygon, who will publish the book.
Mr Wright added, “Winning the prize has not only given me the inspiration to continue to write, it has filled me with a deep sense of responsibility. I owe Dundee a great deal and I’m determined to justify the faith it has in me.”
Anna Day, director of the Dundee Literary Festival, said, “We had entries from New York, Florida, South Africa and all over Europe.
“It is ironic that Alan’s connection to Dundee, in the form of D. C. Thomson comics, was what sparked his interest in literature and so he has come full circle in a way.
“The book will appeal to anyone who loves a good crime book. It is gritty, historical, fast-paced and brilliantly plotted.”
Will Dawson, convener of Dundee City Council’s city development committee, said, “The book prize has become a well-established date in the literary calendar which highlights the city’s name and abiding love for the written word across the globe.
“The ongoing success of the prize is attracting high quality unpublished fiction and creates a link between the city and its creative industries.”