Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/501315
XIV maltatoday, Sunday, 26 april 2015 Every year, this press release is dedi- cated to the National Book Prize, but as of this year, the NBC will be launching applications for two different prizes instead of one. Aside from announcing that the applica- tions for the National Book Prize 2015 (for books published in in 2014) are out, the NBC is also announcing Terramaxka - The National Book Prize for Children and Adolescents. This Prize will be launched during the National Book Festival between November 4 and 8 at the Mediter- ranean Conference Centre. The Terramaxka Prize is made up of six categories: Books for children (ages 0-7), Books for children (ages 8-12), Books for adolescents (ages 13-16), Books for children translated into Maltese (ages 0-7), Books for chil- dren translated into Maltese (ages 8-12) and Books for adolescents translated into Maltese (ages 13-16). This year, the National Book Prize will also include additional categories for Maltese Drama as well as different Research categories, one dedicated to General Research and one to Historical Research. Every category is allowed more than one prize so long as the books submit- ted exceed the 90% mark. The adjudication process which selects the winners for both the National Book Prize and the Terramaxka Prize is extremely meticulous and nominated books will be scrutinized thoroughly. Even though winners are chosen according to an adjudication proc- ess based on a system of detailed criteria that target literariness as well as style, originality and design, we must make sure that this Prize does not become some sort of ol- ympic struggle for writers to outdo each other. The NBC wishes to award excellence in writing and in publishing and for this reason it will be giving recognition to books that have distinguished themselves from others in the quality and originality stakes. Nominated books will be an- nounced before the National Book Festival and lists of both nominated and winning books will be adver- tised via several media channels. The National Book Prize ceremony will be held in December at Auberge de Castille under the patronage of the Prime Minister. For full regulations and criteria on the National Book Prize log to: http://ktieb.org.mt/?page_id=33 This Week Download the MaltaToday App now Red Electrick travelling to Cyprus to recharge their batteries Applications for the National Book Prize 2015 are out Local band Red Electrick is making a change of scene to recharge their batteries and get a fresh release of creativity while focusing on their next album. The band members, Peter Borg, Matthew James Borg, Ivan Borg, Jonas Delicata and Robert Spiteri, are in the beautiful island of Cyprus for a short 'creative music' holiday. The five-man band has been on a comprehensive cycle working on their new album which, if all goes well, will be released later this year. Their output has been consistent since their first debut single 'The End of it All', and they're now hop- ing to move to greener pastures. "Music is our life and we are very passionate about it. We are taking a slower approach to finalise our new album. So we decided to change scene and come to Cyprus for a short fun break. From the gorgeous pictures we have seen, we are sure that spectacular Cyprus will inspire us to develop new music themes and create new songs," said Red Electrick's lead guitarist Peter Borg upon arriving in Cyprus. "We are looking forward to discover Cyprus and have a few days of extraordi- nary experiences. And who knows maybe we come back with some different stuff." For their stay, they have opted for a traditional 'agrotourism' accom- modation at Cyprus Villages (www. cyprusvillages.com.cy) situated in Tochni, away from the city life. From here, they will be enjoying drives through picturesque villages of the Troodos mountain region, savour the quiet bliss on the idyllic shores beyond Paphos and Akamas peninsula. "Complemented by natural beauty and friendly people, Cyprus is a treasure trove of Mediterranean history spiced with Eastern influ- ences," said the band's basist Jonas Delicata. "Dining out seems to be a great pleasure in Cyprus as Cypriots adore their food, especially when in company of friends around a table laden with mouth-watering dishes called mezes. We shall be trying the traditional tavernas as they offer endless mezes dishes and mains with different grilled meat and fish. Delicious." Lead singer Matthew Borg com- mented: "Friends tell me that the nightlife here is flourishing with many wine bars and top clubs in the main cities of Nicosia, Limas- sol, Larnaca and Ayia Napa. Don't worry, while in Cyprus, we are keeping our fans updated on our working holiday by posting pictures on our FB page: https:// www.facebook.com/pages/Red- Electrick/87880786815. Who knows, perhaps we'll be in the mood to put some video clips on our YouTube channel." Nominated for the Best Band and the Best Song categories at 2014 Malta Music Awards, Red Electrick have previously won eight Malta Music Awards. A band with a genu- ine love for music and beauty, theirs is a sound collectively influenced by both the bluesy swagger of 1970s rock and a more contemporary rhythm encompassing the rays of Mediterranean sunshine that re- flects in the upbeat feeling of their music projects. Red Electrick's latest single 'Young Again', with the participation of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, has been one of their greatest hits. Now their fans are eager to get their hands on their new album. The band's trip to Cyprus is be- ing supported by Cyprus Tourism Organisation. Red Electrick travelling on an Emirates flight to Cyprus After dinner Red Electrick spent time jamming and rehearsing for their new album at one of the houses at Cyprus Villages in Tochni