Pierre J. Mejlak
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Pierre J Mejlak (born 1982) is a Maltese novelist and short story writer.
Contents
Biography
He has published books for children, adaptations, a novel and two collections of short stories, winning numerous awards, including a Malta Literary Prize,[citation needed] three National Book Awards from Malta,[citation needed] the Commonwealth Essay Writing Award,[citation needed] the Sea of Words European Short Story Award,[citation needed] and the 2014 European Union Prize for Literature.[1]
His first collection of short stories for adults, Qed Nistenniek Niżzla max-Xita (I'm waiting for you to fall with the rain) was published to critical and popular acclaim in February 2009.[citation needed] His second collection, Dak li l-Lejl Ihallik Tgħid (what the night lets you say), was published in June 2011 and was among the 2014 European Union Prize for Literature winners.[1]
A number of his short stories have been translated into English, French, Catalan, Portuguese, Arabic, Spanish and Italian and were read at numerous literary festivals around Europe and the Middle East.[citation needed] Mejlak's award-winning novel Rih Isfel (southern wind) has been turned into a 13-episode prime-time television series for Malta's NET TV.[citation needed]
Two times winner of the Malta Journalism Award, Mejlak worked as a journalist from 1999 to 2005. He was a BBC correspondent, a regular columnist for Malta's daily In-Nazzjon and produced radio shows - including 60 one-hour documentaries on rock legends - for various national radio stations.
From an early age, Pierre J. Mejlak published a number of magazines, including his own monthly magazine Il-Fwieha tan-Narcisa, which he wrote, edited and published from January 1996 to December 2000.[citation needed]
In 2004 he left Malta to Luxembourg to work at the EU Publications Office. He then moved to Brussels, where he worked as a translator for six years. Mejlak returned to Valletta for a 3-year sabbatical in 2010, where he worked in the Office of the Prime Minister. During this time he was involved in Valletta's bid to host the 2018 European Capital of Culture.[citation needed]
Awards and honours
- 2014 European Union Prize for Literature, Malta, Dak li l-Lejl Iħallik Tgħid [2]
Novels / short story collections
- Trab Abjad (White Dust, 1999) — short novel for children
- Meta Nstabu l-Anġli (When the angels were found, 2002) — short novel for children
- Riħ Isfel (Southern Wind, 2007) — cross-over novel
- Qed Nistenniek Nieżla max-Xita (I'm waiting for you to fall with the rain, 2009) — short stories for adults
- Dak li l-Lejl Iħallik Tgħid (What the night lets you say, 2011) — short stories for adults
Adaptations
- Stejjer mill-Bibbja (Bible Stories, 2003)
- Enċiklopedija għat-Tfal (Children's Encyclopedia, 2005)
- Il-Ħajja ta' Ġesú' (The Story of Christ, 2009)
Screenplays
- Riħ Isfel (Southern Wind, 2010) — 13-episode drama on Malta's Net TV
