Angela Jackson wins Edinburgh first book prize

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-24668203

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An Edinburgh author has been named the winner of the Edinburgh International Book Festival's 2013 First Book Award.

Angela Jackson, one of 42 writers in contention, said it felt "particularly special" to win the prize for her debut novel, The Emergence of Judy Taylor.

Visitors to this year's festival voted her book ahead of other first works by such authors as Gill Hornby, sister of Nick, and broadcaster Dawn O'Porter.

Jackson's novel tells of a dissatisfied wife who embarks on a new life.

"It's great to know I'm on the right track [and] that my work is connecting with readers," the author continued.

The former musician and psychology lecturer said the prize would "spur [her] on to complete my second novel".

Nick Barley, director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, said Jackson's triumph was "a wonderful, home-grown success story".

"Angela gave her first public reading at the Book Festival in 2010 and appeared again in 2011," he continued.

"We were delighted to welcome her this year as a fully fledged and published author."

Edinburgh's book festival, held every August in the city's Charlotte Square Gardens, celebrated its 30th anniversary this year.