A GREAT granddaughter of Sir Hall Caine launched a writing competition in memory of the celebrated novelist at Greeba Castle yesterday.
Gloria Rukeyser, a writer and journalist, is offering the Hall Caine Memorial Prize which will be held annually in the autumn term and is open to all students who are in education in the Island.
Sir Hall Caine was born in 1853 in Cheshire but had strong connections with the Island and eventually came to live here full time. He is closely associated with Greeba Castle which is his former home and is still in the family's ownership.
His works, often wholly or partly set in the Isle of Man, include The Deemster (1887), The Manxman (1894) and The Christian (1897).
His last novel was The Woman of Knockaloe (1923) and almost all of his books were turned into silent films or plays.
Sir Hall Caine was elected to the House of Keys in 1901 - representing Ramsey - and was knighted in 1918.
He died in 1931, aged 78, at Greeba Castle and he is buried at Kirk Maughold.
The judges of the literary competition will be looking for strong characterisation, good narrative flow and, above all, imaginative story-telling.
Mrs Rukeyser, who lives in Greeba Castle for part of the year and also spends time in California, explained the reasons for the literary prize.
She said: "In an age when modern technology encourages us to communicate in a kind of electronic shorthand, it is crucial to preserve and protect the art of thoughtful storytelling.
"Each young person possesses a unique perspective and holds the potential to change the way the rest of us think.
"In fact, through his or her well crafted, engrossing and original creative writing, a student has the power to affect the world - perhaps even to improve it.
"Submitted work should demonstrate the very best of their abilities and be a reflection of their unique voice.
"Eligible formats include short story, memoir excerpt, contemporary or historical novel excerpt and one-act play, but teachers are encouraged to guide their students as appropriate for age and skill level.
"I hope that each and every student interested in creative literary expression will participate and add their voice to the world's conversation."
Entries can be submitted in three categories: Primary - in which entrants must write up to 500 words with prizes of £100, £75 and £50; key stages 3 and 4 - up to 1,500 words with prizes of £150, £100 and £50 and key stage 5/Isle of Man College (same word limit and prizes as key stages three and four).
The closing date for entries is Friday, November 19. Full rules will be advertised in all schools/the Isle of Man College from September and they can be viewed at www.gov.im/education/hallcaineprize.xml or by emailing jo.overty@gov.im
