Self-published novelist Terry Fallis wins Leacock medal for humour
ORILLIA, Ont. — Terry Fallis, author of the self-published novel "The Best Laid Plans," was named the winner Wednesday of the annual Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour.
It's first book by the co-founder of Thornley Fallis, a Toronto public relations firm.
"The Best Laid Plans" centres on a reluctant political candidate who agrees to run in a federal election based on the fact that he is certain to lose. Angus McLintock accepts the task with the proviso that he won't campaign, give interviews, use lawn signs or even be in the country during the election campaign.
The award carries a cash prize of $10,000, sponsored by TD Bank Financial Group.
Previous winners include W.O. Mitchell, Pierre Berton, Farley Mowat, Mordecai Richler and Paul Quarrington.
Entries are judged by an anonymous panel comprising five national judges and 11 local readers.
The other short-listed books for the 2008 award were "The Gum Thief" (Douglas Coupland); "Spanish Fly" (Will Ferguson); "King John of Canada" (Scott Gardiner); "God Created Manyberries" (Ron Wood).
