Dr Wyn Mason, who has completed a PhD in Welsh under the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol’s Research Scholarship Scheme, has been shortlisted in the 2023 Tir na n-Og children's book awards for his graphic novel, Gwlad yr Asyn.
The shortlists for secondary age and primary age were announced live on S4C's Heno programme on Thursday, March 23, and Dr Mason was delighted to hear that his graphic novel, based on his stage play of the same name, had been shortlisted in the secondary age category.
During the same week, at the Coleg’s Annual Congregation that was held at the Tramshed in Cardiff on Tuesday 21 March, Dr Mason received a certificate for completing his PhD in Welsh under the Coleg Cymraeg’s Research Scholarship Scheme.
He said,
"It has been a busy and exciting week between celebrating receiving my certificate from the Coleg Cymraeg for completing my PhD and hearing that I have been shortlisted for the Tir na n-Og Awards. I managed to write the play Gwlad yr Asyn, staged by Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, while studying for my doctorate at Swansea University. I had an invaluable opportunity to develop my skills as a playwright and writer while studying and thanks to the support of the Coleg Cymraeg, I am now a professional writer."
A stage version of Gwlad yr Asyn was performed at the National Eisteddfod in Tregaron last year. His daughter Efa Blosse-Mason who is an animator and designer gave him the inspiration to create a graphic novel, and she is responsible for the designs of the novel.
The novel was published by Gwasg Carreg Gwalch in October 2022.
The Tir na n-Og Awards are the oldest awards for children and young people's literature in Wales and celebrate the best Welsh stories and Welsh stories published in 2022. The winners of the Welsh categories will be announced on Thursday, June 1 at the Urdd Eisteddfod in Carmarthenshire. The complete shortlist can be found on the Books Council of Wales website
Dr Wyn Mason and the rest of the PhD students receiving their certificates at the Coleg Cymraeg’s Annual Congregation can be watched on Coleg Cymraeg’s You Tube page
