Centre for New Writing appoints another acclaimed writer
The Centre for New Writing at The University of Manchester has added prize-winning novelist M.J. Hyland to its staff of novelists and poets.
Hyland, who was recently awarded the Hawthornden Prize for her second novel Carry Me Down (Canongate, 2006) and the Encore prize for best second novel, has been appointed as a Lecturer in Creative Writing.
Hyland's second novel, which charts a year in the profoundly troubled family life of twelve year old John Egan in early 1970s Ireland, was also shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize and the Commonwealth Writers Prize.
Hyland was born in London to Irish parents and spent her early childhood in Dublin. Until 2005, she lived and worked in Melbourne, Australia, where she studied law and English at the University of Melbourne. She now lives and works in Manchester.
Co-Director of the Centre Dr John McAuliffe said: "We are delighted that M.J. Hyland has agreed to join the Centre for New Writing when it opens in September.
""She is a terrific writer, one of the leading members of the new generation of British and Irish novelists, and her experience as a writer coupled with her enthusiasm as a teacher will be a real boon to our students.""
M.J. Hyland said: ""I am really happy about this appointment, and can't wait to get started.""
The author will join literary heavyweight Martin Amis at the Centre, whose appointment was announced in March. He will teach post-graduate seminars in Manchester each fortnight, and will also take part in a series of landmark events.
Praise for M.J. Hyland's work:
"This is fiction writing of the highest order" - J.M. Coetzee
"I don't think I've ever read such a true book. Hyland goes right to the heart of the experience of late childhood, and when she has reached the heart she stays there - it's a wonderful feat of imagination." - Hilary Mantel
"A work of discreet brilliance - M.J.Hyland is a truly gifted writer" - Ali Smith
The Centre for New Writing at The University of Manchester offers a portfolio of taught MA courses and PhD research programmes in creative writing, supported by its staff of high-profile writers. It was formed to develop and refine the creative and critical work of its postgraduate and undergraduate students, and to explore and research collaboration between creative and critical writing.
Its unique Reading Series events bring the best-known contemporary writers and poets to Manchester, to discuss and read from their work. Britain's leading novelist Martin Amis has been appointed as a Professor of Creative Writing at the Centre, and will participate in public events throughout the year.