Debut novel in the running for X-Factor style award (From The Northern Echo)

Debut novel in the running for X-Factor style award

12:27am Thursday 9th February 2012 in News

THE debut novel by North-East author and former Northern Echo journalist Ali Lewis is down to the last four in an X-Factor style literary competition.

The Coventry Inspiration Book Awards allows the public to vote for their favourite of the shortlisted books online, with those receiving the least votes being eliminated from the competition.

Ms Lewis's debut novel, Everybody Jam was one of 12 shortlisted books in the 'Simply the Book' category for young adult fiction and, after four rounds of voting, is now down to the last four.

The next knock out round is on Monday, when two more books are eliminated, and the winner is announced on Wednesday, February 15.

Everybody Jam is the story of a boy growing up in outback Australia, inspired by a trip Ms Lewis made to Australia in 2002 when she worked on a cattle station.

Ms Lewis, from Thirlby, near Thirsk, said: "I am absolutely thrilled to be in the last four of this amazing competition.

"The fact it is voted for by the public makes it really special and is a great way of engaging with readers and encouraging them to read and express their views about books.

"My book Everybody Jam is up against some stiff competition, so fingers crossed people keep voting for it."

To vote, go to www.coventry.gov.uk/site/scripts/home_info.php?homepageID=221