Yorkshire author Colwill Brown from Doncaster is shortlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize

There's always a buzz when someone from your own neck of the woods does something brilliant on the world stage. And that's exactly what's happening right now, because a Yorkshire author has just been named as a finalist for one of the biggest book awards on the planet. Colwill Brown, who was born and raised in Doncaster, has been shortlisted for the Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize for her debut novel, We Pretty Pieces of Flesh. This is a massive moment for any writer, especially for a first book. The international prize celebrates the best young writers out there, and having a local talent in the running is proper exciting news for the whole of Yorkshire.

What's the big deal about this literary award?

So, what exactly is the Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize? Think of it like the World Cup, but for young authors. It’s a huge international literary award given to the most talented writers aged 39 or under. The winner gets a whopping £20,000, but it’s about more than just the money. Getting on the shortlist means your work is considered some of the best new literature out there. The prize is named after the famous Welsh writer Dylan Thomas, who was a bit of a creative genius himself. He passed away at just 39, so the prize honours his legacy by supporting the next generation of creative voices.

This isn't just for one type of book, either. The award covers a whole range of fiction, from poetry and novels to short stories and drama. Basically, if it’s an amazing piece of writing in English by a young author, it can be in the running. Being shortlisted for one of the world's most significant literary prizes puts an author on the map, and it's fantastic to see a writer with Doncaster roots getting that recognition for her debut novel. It’s a testament to the incredible talent coming out of our region.

A proper Yorkshire talent on the shortlist

Let's talk about the book that’s got everyone so excited. Colwill Brown’s debut novel is called We Pretty Pieces of Flesh. If the name alone doesn't grab you, the story definitely will. It's set right in Doncaster during the early 2000s, taking readers through the familiar scenes of schoolyards, back alleys, and nightclubs. It’s a story about growing up, that intense feeling of belonging, and the power of those first, unforgettable friendships. It’s the kind of novel that feels real and gets right to the heart of what it’s like to navigate being young.

The judges were clearly blown away. One of them, Nidhi Zak/Aria Eipe, had some amazing things to say about it. She described the novel as: “A full-throated, intimate look at girlhood, growing up, what it means and what it takes to feel like you belong. An anthem to first friendships, to the places and people that make us and change us, to the things we can and cannot say, to the selves that we become.” That’s some seriously high praise, painting a picture of a powerful, relatable story that captures the messiness and beauty of finding your way in the world. It’s a piece of fiction that sounds like it will stick with you long after you’ve finished it.

Who else is in the running?

To get a sense of how big this achievement is, just look at the other names on the shortlist. It's a seriously impressive group of young writers from across the UK and the US. The list features a mix of four novels and two poetry collections, showing the amazing variety in today's literature scene. Here’s who Colwill Brown is up against:

• Harriet Armstrong for the novel To Rest Our Minds and Bodies. At just 25, she's the youngest author on the list.

• Sasha Debevec-McKenney for her poetry collection Joy is My Middle Name, which explores everything from pop culture to addiction.

• Suzannah V. Evans for her poetry collection Under the Blue, a look at the beauty of life and the realities of care.

• Seán Hewitt for his novel Open, Heaven, a heartbreaking story about hidden desires. He was also nominated for the prize last year.

• Derek Owusu for the novel Borderline Fiction, a funny and sometimes uncomfortable look at being a young Black man in today's world.

The judges, led by Chair Irenosen Okojie MBE, said the whole shortlist was "marvellous" and "galvanising," adding that the books “have profound things to say about the ways we live, what it means to be human.” It’s clear that every book on this list, from the poetry collections to the novels, is making a real impact.

What the judges thought about the fiction

The praise didn't stop with We Pretty Pieces of Flesh. Each book on the shortlist earned glowing reviews from the judging panel. For example, judge Joe Dunthorne called Harriet Armstrong’s novel, To Rest Our Minds and Bodies, “An electrifying experience... told with a voice that is fresh, funny and completely its own.”

The poetry collections also made a huge impression. Irenosen Okojie called Sasha Debevec-McKenney’s collection Joy is My Middle Name, "Glorious... Unstoppable, hilarious and incandescent." Eley Williams praised Suzannah V. Evans' Under the Blue as “an intricate and rewarding work of contemporary literature.”

And for the other novels, the judges were just as enthusiastic. Prajwal Parajuly described Seán Hewitt’s Open, Heaven as “A tender exploration of love and desire—heart-rending and deeply lyrical.” Meanwhile, Derek Owusu’s Borderline Fiction was hailed by Irenosen Okojie as “A forensic meditation on complex Black British male identity. Full of heart and tenderness." It’s clear this was a tough choice, with every author bringing something unique to the world of international fiction.

So, what happens next?

The excitement is building, and there isn’t long to wait to find out who will win the prestigious prize. The next big date for the diary is Wednesday 13 May, when the British Library will host a special event to celebrate the six shortlisted authors and their incredible work. It’s a fantastic chance for the writers to share their stories and get the recognition they deserve.

Then, the very next day, on Thursday 14 May, the winner will be announced at a grand ceremony in Swansea. The date is extra special because it’s also International Dylan Thomas Day, a global celebration of the writer who inspired this whole literary award. All eyes in the literature world will be on Swansea for the announcement. It’s going to be a nail-biting wait, but whatever the outcome, getting on the shortlist for one of the world's most respected literary prizes is an amazing victory in itself. Fingers crossed for our very own Colwill Brown!