This November might as well be the most exciting month for literary lovers in Malta. This year the National Book Festival has coincided with Booker Prize winner Jim Crace arriving on the island to be the first Writer in Residence for the Creative Writing Programme organised by the Faculty of Arts at the University of Malta. Crace will also be part of tonight’s jury for the #abbozz event during the same festival.

#Abbozz, now in its second year, is a competitive selection process organised by Merlin Publishers in a bid to give a unique opportunity to first-time authors to publish their manuscript. The three shortlisted entries have already been chosen, and tonight, after a pitch is presented and excerpts are read the winner will be announced. Last year's winner was Mark Vella with his novel X’Seta’ Ġralu lil Kevin Cacciattolo? which was recently published and is already receiving positive reviews. Merlin Publishers need to be applauded for taking such a gamble with the introduction of #abbozz as it has been fuelling a very much needed passion for books locally.

The publishing house has been at the forefront of bringing to a Maltese audience innovative books such as Ġuże Stagno's “What Happens in Brussels stays in Brussels”, Alex Vella Gera's Is-Sriep Reġgħu Saru Velenużi and not to forget the hauntingly beautiful fantasy novel "Two" by Teodor Reljic. During the festival, Merlin will be showcasing nine new books, all home grown, including a few children’s books. But Merlin Publishers aren't the only ones who are helping keep Malta's literary scene alive and well.

Two weeks ago, Immanuel Mifsud together with Klabb Kotba Maltin published his latest novella “Jutta Heim”. Tomorrow, once again at the National Book Festival, a short film based on Mifsud’s Laqgħa ma’ Mara Morbi will be premiered as part of the National Book Council’s strategy to promote local literature.

The beauty of all these books is that they explore slices of Maltese history and culture through their narrative. We need such introspection to better understand Malta’s past and enrich our culture. Above all, we need top quality literature to pass on to the next generations.

Locally written books shouldn't be published only to be forced down children's throats at schools. They are there to be enjoyed. Perception of books locally needs to continue changing (as it has already started doing). Recently, Times of Malta culture editor Ramona Depares in a post on Facebook said "books are the new cool" and I couldn't agree more. There is such a positive buzz going on right now and it's all thanks to a group of people who really love local literature. Some thanks are definitely in order; so National Book Council, Faculty of Arts at the University of Malta, Merlin Publishers, Klabb Kotba Maltin, local writers and all of you who support these people by saying loud and proud you read local literature you really deserve our gratitude!

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