Alnwick author shortlisted for prestigious literary prize after reviving writing efforts from decades ago

David E. Cooper has been shortlisted for the Lindisfarne Prize for Crime Fiction a literary prize which celebrates the outstanding crime and thriller storytelling of those who are from, or whose work celebrates, the North East of England.

David’s short story, The Sketchbook, was one of five submissions to be selected by the prize’s esteemed panel of judges, comprising: crime writer Judith O’Reilly, founder of Newcastle Noir Dr Jacky Collins, arts and culture journalist David Whetstone, and international bestselling author LJ Ross.

David, a former professor of philosophy at Durham University, said: “This is my first short story since some adolescent efforts many years ago. So, it was especially gratifying to me that judges with a wealth of experience of crime writing found my story sufficiently well told to be shortlisted.”

Now in its third year, the Lindisfarne Prize for Crime Fiction was founded by author LJ Ross and is sponsored by her publishing imprint Dark Skies Publishing, in association with the Newcastle Noir Crime Writing Festival and Newcastle Libraries.

The aim of the prize is not only to provide financial support, but to help build and maintain creative confidence for new, emerging and established writers in the crime and thriller genre.

LJ Ross said: “Every year I am completely blown away by the growing quality of the submissions and the wealth of writing talent this region has to offer and inspires.

"This year the competition is tougher than ever, and the judges have had a really hard time narrowing the entries down to just five.

"I’d like to congratulate David for getting this far and wish him all the best of luck for the next stage.”

The 2020 Lindisfarne Prize was won by Pru Heathcote from Warkworth with her book, Don’t Leave, while Lesbury’s Marrisse Whittaker was shortlisted for the outstanding debut category with her novel, The Magpie.

The winner of the prize will be announced on May 2 and will receive a cash prize to support the completion of their work, alongside funding for membership of the Society of Authors (SoA) and the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi).

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