Why Awards Matter

Something like the Readers Choice Awards helps to raise public awareness, and this surely encourages writers to get their work published ... But the most crucial element is the encouragement (the nomination) gives writers. It will encourage them to improve – without high quality writing, the rest is just superfluous. Good writing is the lifeblood of the whole publishing industry.

Chong Ton Sin, managing director of book distributors GerakBudaya is among those interviewed in Starmag today about how awards help boost the local publishing industry. He also talks about how he thinks reading could be encouraged in Malaysia.

More about the Readers Choice Awards today here. Robert Raymer and I were just over in Amcorp Mall where of course we made a visit to Popular Bookstores to vote. What surprised me was the assistant asking us how many forms we wanted! (Could hear Robert thinking, "Hundreds and hundreds so all my students can vote for me.")

Other things in today's Starmag :

Elizabeth Tai talks to Karim Raslan about his new book, and enjoys a tour of the apartment where he writes, with all its disturbing art ...

Leon Wing reviews Robert Bolaño's 2666 ...

Forty Years On ...

From Amir, news of a publication which is calling for contributions.

This year will be the 40th anniversary of May 13. And therefore ...

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May 13

Editors: Fathi Aris Omar & Jimadie Shah
Publisher: Gerakbudaya


Preface

This year, May 13 will bring added meaning to all Malaysians, particularly our post-1969 young generation, because we will be marking its 40th year. The Youth Societies and Youth Development Act 2007 defines ‘youth’ as being anyone below the age of 40.

The May 13 incident will be approaching its final year of youth, will become an adult and, therefore, mature. The question now is: have we successfully exorcised the ghost of May 13 and are we showing enough maturity today in facing all issues pertaining to race and religion?

To answer this question, we in Gerakbudaya wish to gather all writings in various forms, sketches and photographs from our youth –
in short, expressions of their views on this tragedy.

All contributions will be compiled in a book and published by Gerakbudaya. This book will be officially launched at the 2nd KL Alternative Bookfest (KLAB) on 9-10 May, 2009 at the Annexe, Central Market.

Contents

We will give ample opportunities to contributors whose creations fulfil the theme and criteria stipulated.

The main theme of this book is to get rid of the ghost of May 13, towards a better Malaysia.

Style of writing

The following styles of writing can be applied although you are free to write in any way:

1) Stories from secondary sources like from parents, teachers, members of political parties, lecturers and others
2) Creative writing
3) Interviews with people who were directly involved and experienced the tragedy, political and social leaders and others
4) Open letter to politicians
5) Essay

Each piece of writing that is sent must not exceed 2000 words. There is no minimum limit.

Contributions must be in Bahasa Malaysia or English

For those who are doing sketches or photographs, the contribution must not exceed 4 pages.

Every contribution must bear your own name or widely-known pen name.

Contributors must be 40 years and below, and Malaysian citizens.

Email your contributions and all enquiries with the subject' May 13' to zulhabri@gerakbudaya.com

Everyone who contributes will be given 2 copies of the book and a good chance to publish books with Gerakbudaya or with our other publisher, SIRD.

Closing date for all entries is 28 February 2009.

Please help pass the word on.

Gerakbudaya's Recession Beating Book Sale

Here's some recession busting news! Gerakbudaya is holding an end of year sale, and you can find quality books (including new titles) at great discounts. Youth fiction and books from Indonesia are also available. (All details here.)

You are also invited to a book launch. In Pursuit of Fair Play: Reminiscences of a Malaysian Trade Unionist by K. George is to be launched by Syed Shahir Bin Syed Mohamud, the President of Malaysian Trade Unionist Congress (MTUC) 3-5p.m. on 27th December 2008 at Dewan Ilmu Perpustakaan Komuniti Petaling Jaya. (All details of the event and information about the book here.)