A Grande Prairie author has been nominated in the Young People’s Literature-Text category for the Governor General’s Literary Awards.
Author Sue Farrell-Holler says the novel selected for nomination “Cold White Sun” is based on the true story of an Ethiopian refugee who was smuggled into Canada. She calls it an incredible story of resilience and hope, and adds getting to know the man behind the story was equally as exciting as getting to retell his tale.
“Just meeting this man, and being very inspired by his story. The way he was able to overcome trauma to create a life here in Canada.”
Farrell-Holler, who has written four children’s books, and also penned a humour column in a Grande Prairie area paper for many years, says it’s the first major award nomination and the first book she has written for young adults.
She says it’s an incredible recognition because so often writers work solo, and are fairly introverted, so it’s not always known when a project comes together.
“You don’t know if you’re creating anything of value so when you’re nominated for an award like this it just makes you feel like you’re on the right track and that you actually can accomplish something that will make a difference in people’s lives.”
The winner will be announced on the 29th of October, with a ceremony for the winners taking place in Ottawa in December.