ACHMAT DANGOR LITERARY PRIZE WINNER OF 2023:
Laila Manack
Laila Manack
“My grandfather was an anti-apartheid stalwart, and he instilled in me a great sense of justice and direction. He was also the first person to introduce me to Achmat Dangor and his creative work. Although I was a young girl when I first read Achmat’s books, the raw truth imbued through his stories had an impact on me. That, and he has a novella called “Waiting for Leila” which of course, I was drawn to immediately.”
Laila Manack, 2024
Photo: Laila in South Korea, 2022. Sophia Dean / Laila Manack Private Collection
ACHMAT DANGOR LITERARY PRIZE WINNER OF 2023: Laila Manack
The Literary Prize of 2023 was managed by Blackbird Books who also provided editing support to the winning writer. After a rigorous selection process, Laila Manack was chosen as the winner of the 2023/2024 Achmat Dangor Literary Prize. Her submission entitled “The Black Dahlia” forms part of her second novel currently being written. Laila elaborates on what it means to her to have won this award
“The act of writing is not glamourous. It takes discipline, and it means driving your story forward even when your creativity feels stifled. Writing can be a lonely process, so winning the Achmat Dangor Literary Prize meant the world to me because it reminded me that somebody sees value in the story I want to tell. Through the drafting fog, it feels incredible to be supported and reminded that there will be readers waiting to see what’s on those pages.”
Laila Manack is a South African writer who, until recently, was teaching English in South Korea. Born with a syndrome affecting her hearing in one ear, Laila’s unique perspective enriches her storytelling, offering a mature approach that intertwines moral questioning throughout her narratives. “My journey to becoming a writer” Laila explains, “began as a young reader. I was the kid at the library checking out the maximum allowance of books, and then I would return three days later to return them and start the process over again. Reading truly transported me, and when I created my own blog in high school, my English teachers took the time to critique and advise me on my writing. That encouragement fuelled me to begin my novel in my first year of university, and when that ultimately got published, it was because of the support of family, friends, educators, editors, and very patient librarians.”
Laila has written for online publications, mostly on intersectional feminism in movies and media. She is an accomplished writer known for her debut novel, Sisters of the Circus published by Penguin Random House and released in October 2022. Laila has also been featured as a participant at literary events such as the Franschhoek Literary Festival, further establishing her presence in the literary community. Her dedication to the craft is evident, and her impact on the literary scene continues to grow, captivating audiences with her thought-provoking storytelling. To learn more about Laila read her blogs on her website: https://blueeyedmutant.wordpress.com/
“Laila has demonstrated exceptional literary prowess, embodying the spirit of Achmat Dangor’s legacy and we are excited to work with her on her new novel … This achievement marks a significant milestone in promoting diversity and inclusivity in the literary world, echoing the principles championed by Achmat Dangor throughout his illustrious career.”
Thabiso Mahlape, writer, publisher and founder of Blackbird Books
“My advice to emerging and aspiring marginalised writers would be to persist. Writing is not for the faint of heart. It is isolating, as is the process of publishing. It makes you doubt yourself, and you need to have incredible confidence to push through the noise. There are many gatekeepers, and you should not be one of them. Be your own biggest cheerleader, and surround yourself with a community that will cheer you on when you aren’t motivated to move forward.”
Laila Manack, writer and winner of the 2023 Achmat Dangor Literary Prize
Achmat Dangor Literary Prize Gallery
