Prizes of 2,000 euros were awarded to the winners of the competitions, and the best manuscripts will be prepared for the press and become books.
The winner of this year’s children’s and youth literature competition is Justina Kapeckaitė and her work “Sono electrum”. Using a virtual reality game as a starting point, the author of the book plays with the concepts of “real” and “fictional”, “real” and “unreal”. “There are no limits, we create them ourselves”, – this is how doctor J. Kapeckaitė defines the main idea of her book.
“Sono electrum” is a youthful work with a sharp plot about the underground club “KALISTA”, glowing with laser lights and intoxicating with virtual illusions. Together with the hero of the novel, the reader is invited to e. sports inexhaustible duels, secrets and intrigues. The most important task is to defeat the most dangerous enemy. It’s just not entirely clear if it’s real or fictional?
The novel about the dark side of virtual reality is not the first attempt of J. Kapeckaitė, who is interested in Japanese culture and historical European martial arts, to write. “I am an author who does not like to follow simple paths, and when I write, I do not think about where it will lead me. I’m glad literary contests like this exist, and I appreciate the committee’s willingness to read a bunch of manuscripts. It’s amazing that authors get a chance to get noticed no matter what they write. And that not only fashionable, but also good works reach their readers sooner or later”, said J. Kapeckaitė, the winner of the Children and Youth Competition, while accepting the award.
Out of the 56 manuscripts submitted to the Adult Literature Competition, the judging panel unanimously chose Tomas Venckevičius’ novel Bad Manners. At that moment, it became clear who was hiding under the white baroque wig and make-up on the morning of the awards.
The work of T. Venckevičius tells about a seventeen-year-old boy, Jonas Girdvainis, who grows into an independent man with character after shocking life experiences.
“I’m not a writer, but I’m a writer – I write for a living,” says the author, whose websites reach millions of readers worldwide.
Writing in Lithuanian has been a pleasant leisure hobby for the contest winner until now. The developer of Internet projects in English says that creative projects bring fulfillment to his life.
“Writing is the same as reading, only more interesting,” said the author of the book “Bad Manners” after receiving the award. – When you write, you experience stronger emotions, I have cried more than once, felt nauseous, laughed until tears, and once I even felt physical pain, as if a sword had been stuck in my side.”
T. Venckevičius also shared the first feedback received from virtual readers. “This is a book that steals hours of sleep,” wrote one, and Ugnė Giesė, the chairman of the competition’s evaluation committee, agreed with her, confirming that she started an affair with the manuscript already on the second night.
“Publishing is full of challenges, I am glad that together with the team we are discovering new opportunities, that we have the potential to develop new projects and discover new forms of content. Literary contests are not only an invitation to create together, but also to nurture Lithuanian literature together, to nurture original writing authors, to look for new talents. The motto of our publishing house does not change – we are here for that, because every reader deserves to discover his own book”, said the head of the publishing house D. Zaidė at the award ceremony.
The award ceremony in the gallery of the Union of Lithuanian Artists ended with another news – a coffee experience prepared by “New Opera” with JSBach’s “Coffee Cantata”, performed by soprano Emilija Finagėjevaitė, bass Jonas Sakalauskas, tenor Eimantas Bešėnas, Miglė Lukoševičiūtė, pianist Darius Mažintas, violinists Rima Švėgždaitė and Vakarė Daukšaitė, cellist Domantė Ramančiūnienė and flutist Vytenis Gurstis.
“Alma littera” publishing house does not stop looking for new talents. New 2025 Adult and Children and Youth Literature Competitions are announced. Writers and artists, creators and groups of authors are invited to participate. Manuscripts are accepted at the publishing house until April 16, 2025, and the winners will be announced in October 2025.
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Interview with Justina Kapeckaitė and Tomas Venckevičius: Winners of the Children and Youth Literature and Adult Literature Competitions
Editor: Congratulations on your remarkable achievements! Justina, let’s start with you. Your winning work, “Sono electrum,” delves into the blurred lines between reality and fiction. Can you tell us a bit more about what inspired you to explore these themes in your writing?
Justina Kapeckaitė: Thank you! The inspiration for “Sono electrum” came from my fascination with virtual reality and how it impacts our perceptions of the world. In today’s society, where technology is deeply integrated into our lives, I wanted to challenge the idea of what is “real” and “unreal.” I believe we impose limits on ourselves, and my aim was to illuminate the possibilities that exist beyond those confines.
Editor: That’s a thought-provoking approach. The underground club “KALISTA” seems to play a significant role in your novel. What does it represent in the larger context of your story?
Justina Kapeckaitė: KALISTA represents a microcosm of the vibrant and often chaotic world of e-sports and virtual environments. It’s a place of exploration, secrets, and challenges. Through the protagonist’s journey within this club, readers are invited to confront their understanding of reality and illusion, echoing the emotional intensity of the virtual duels and the personal growth that follows.
Editor: Tomas, turning to you, your novel “Bad Manners” has garnered a lot of attention. You mentioned that writing facilitates a deeper emotional experience for you. Can you elaborate on that?
Tomas Venckevičius: Absolutely. Writing is an incredibly immersive process. In ”Bad Manners,” my character Jonas faces serious challenges, and as I wrote his journey, I felt his struggles deeply. It’s a cathartic experience; sometimes I found myself in tears or overwhelmed by the emotions of the scenes. Writing allows me to explore these feelings in a unique way, making it an essential part of my life.
Editor: Your backgrounds are quite diverse—Justina in academic fields and Tomas in digital projects. How has your unique experience shaped your writing?
Justina Kapeckaitė: My background in academia has definitely influenced my writing style and themes. I like to weave in complex concepts and ideas, which requires a certain level of research and reflection. It’s important for me to challenge readers to think critically about the narratives they engage with.
Tomas Venckevičius: While I write mainly in English for my online audiences, my passion for writing in Lithuanian has been a rewarding hobby. It’s given me a chance to connect with my culture on a deeper level. Each project brings new challenges, and I’m excited to share those with readers who appreciate the emotional depth and cultural nuances in the stories.
Editor: As award winners, what do you hope the future holds for your works and for Lithuanian literature as a whole?
Justina Kapeckaitė: I hope “Sono electrum” resonates with young readers, encouraging them to reflect on the implications of our digitally-driven lives. Additionally, I believe that contests like these are vital in promoting Lithuanian literature, allowing diverse voices to emerge.
Tomas Venckevičius: I echo Justina’s sentiment. I believe there’s a wealth of untapped potential in Lithuanian storytelling. I hope my work contributes to this growing literary atmosphere and inspires others to engage with our shared narratives. Together, we can nurture and develop a bright future for Lithuanian literature.
Editor: Thank you both for sharing your insights today. It’s clear that your works are not only a reflection of your talents but also an invitation for readers to explore deeper themes of reality, identity, and culture. Congratulations once again, and best of luck with your future endeavors!
Thuanian allows me to connect with my roots and contribute to local literature. My experiences in digital project development have helped me understand audience engagement, and I blend that with my storytelling to create narratives that resonate.
Editor: Justina, you mentioned appreciation for literary contests. How important do you think these competitions are for emerging authors in Lithuania?
Justina Kapeckaitė: They are crucial! Literary contests provide a platform for authors to showcase their work and gain recognition. They help diversify the literary landscape by inviting voices that might otherwise go unheard. I truly believe that such contests nurture creativity and innovation, offering authors the encouragement they need to push boundaries in their storytelling.
Editor: Tomas, after winning the competition, what’s next for you? Do you envision focusing more on writing in Lithuanian or continuing your work in English?
Tomas Venckevičius: Winning this award has definitely motivated me to explore more writings in Lithuanian. While my projects in English will continue, I see a new opportunity to grow my craft in my native language. There is something deeply rewarding about contributing to Lithuanian literature and sharing stories that reflect our unique culture and experiences.
Editor: The award ceremony also included a beautiful coffee experience with performances. How significant do you think events like these are for the literary community?
Justina Kapeckaitė: They play an essential role! Celebrating literature through engaging events not only brings authors and readers together but also enriches our cultural dialogue. It’s a way to honor the creative work while inviting more people to appreciate and be involved in literature.
Tomas Venckevičius: Absolutely. These gatherings create a sense of camaraderie among writers and help build a supportive community. They remind us all why we write and the impact our stories can have, bringing people together through shared experiences.
Editor: Thank you both for sharing your insights. Congratulations again on your achievements, and best of luck with your future projects!
Justina Kapeckaitė and Tomas Venckevičius: Thank you! We’re excited for what lies ahead!