A WRITER who spent nearly a decade getting rejected by publishers, won £10,000 for the first ever Goldsmiths literary prize yesterday (Nov 13).

Debut author Eimear McBride was presented with the award at the university in New Cross for her novel, A Girl is a Half-formed Thing.

The book tells the story of a young woman's relationship with her brother, and the effects of his childhood brain tumour.

The Goldsmiths Prize was created this year in association with the New Statesman Magazine to recognise boldly original fiction.

Liverpool-born Ms McBride thanked the organisers in her speech for restoring her faith in the publishing industry after previously feeling "depressed" about the state of it.

The 37-year-old writer told News Shopper after the ceremony: “It only took six months to write but I spent around nine years trying to get a publisher.

“Most said it was too difficult and not populist enough.

“My biggest tip for budding writers is discipline. I’m currently working on my second novel.

“I am delighted to win the prize and this imaginative competition is nothing less than I would expect from Goldsmiths.”

Her book was published earlier this year by Galley Beggar Press.

The prize was devised in collaboration with the Goldsmiths Writers' Centre - headed up by author Professor Blake Morrison - which hosts events aimed at encouraging new writing and discussion.

The shortlist also included Harvest by Jim Crace, Exodus by Lars Iyer, Red or Dead by David Peace, Artful by Ali Smith and Tapestry by Philip Terry. 

For more information, visit gold.ac.uk/goldsmiths-prize/ or watch a video about the winner.