The ‘Crocodile Prize Anthology 2016’ – better late than never
08 May 2017
PHIL FITZPATRICK
I’VE BEEN a bit reluctant to release the final and free version of the Crocodile Prize Anthology 2016 because it does not fully incorporate all the material submitted to the competition, most notably some of the prizewinning entries.
This came about because 2016 was a transition year when the competition came under sole Papua New Guinean control and there were hiccups.
Although I had volunteered to edit and publish the anthology, several breakdowns in communication meant I didn’t receive all the entries worth including in the book.
But it’s already May and I thought it would be worthwhile offering the usual free PFD, which you can find here, and if more suitable material arrives I’m happy to update the book so it is more reflective of the true merit of what was submitted to the competition.
That said, the volume of PNG writing that I managed to include is impressive, of high quality and well worth reading.
What happens in the future I’m not sure. The organisers experienced an extremely steep learning curve but should have now identified and overcome most of the major problems. All credit to Emmanuel Peni and his team.
What is required now is for the writers of PNG to get behind him and help. That’s the only way the competition will survive.
If you are a writer and want to thrive and publish your work, you have to help. There is no other way.
Organization of anything such as an event to come to fruition requires the heart of commitment and time, its the idea that brings the success.
Campaign for school children readership is a brilliant concept but who will have the heart to do it?
Its a challenge for everyone of us now.
Thanks Phil for the job well done for 2016 anthology.
Posted by: Jimmy Awagl | 10 May 2017 at 04:33 PM
Excellent questions, Michael. As you rightly say, Manu and his team have done a terrific job. It'll be even more terrific if you can spare the time to help them answer those questions - your own professional and other priorities notwithstanding. Just asking ....
Posted by: Ed Brumby | 10 May 2017 at 07:47 AM
Well done to Emmanuel and team.
Thank you for your effort to publish this volume Phil.
There is a lot of really good material being entered.
It would be welcome to hear news of any feedback from readers or users (read teachers and students) who might be accessing the Pukpuk publications.
Is there enough publicity?
Do writers societies and/or the Crocodile Prize Organizing Group need to make more input into addressing school audiences?
What will be our next planned contribution to National Book Week?
There are many interesting things we can do but these need to be done together so that they do not become a chore.
The same with the Crocodile Prize.
Everyone is too busy to do everything, but all anyone needs to do is one thing.
Posted by: Michael Dom | 09 May 2017 at 10:30 PM
Thank you very much Philip. Much appreciated. Planning and carrying out tasks so that this year can be better organised.
Thank everyone for the understanding and the support.
Posted by: Emmanuel Peni | 08 May 2017 at 09:54 AM