I’m very pleased to share that my piece Original Copy has been longlisted for the 2019 CBC Nonfiction Prize with 31 other writers from across Canada. For the non-Canadians, the CBC is our national broadcaster. They have three literary prizes each year: nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. It’s really exciting to know that my story resonated with the prize readers.
The story is about visiting my father in Greece after being estranged for many years, while also navigating my trans identity. It was a challenging trip in a lot of ways, including a 40 C + heatwave that lasted for days during a garbage strike. Amid all of this, on Crete, I found strength in private moments. And I spent plenty of time wondering over both ancient and more recent ruins, and considering reclamation and regrowth.
Hugh Blackthorne 