Nova Scotian writers shone as the best in Atlantic Canadian literature was honoured at the annual Atlantic Book Awards held April 14. At a ceremony held at the Dartmouth waterfront’s Alderney Theatre, first time novelist Shandi Mitchell, CBC journalist Linden MacIntyre, non-fiction writers Greg Cochkanoff and Bob Chaulk, and other authors, illustrators and designers were recognized for their contribution to the region’s storytelling tradition.

Mitchell, who was on a trip to Delhi when she was awarded the prize, could not believe her success.

"I really don't know what to say here," she said. "Maybe I'm still in Delhi and this is a dream. Is that's what's happened? Because it could be."

Mitchell was in the company of a great number of seasoned writers who were also nominated for the top prize. She received $15,000 for the top award and also won the Margaret and John Savage First Book Award for her novel 'Under This Unbroken Sky' which tells the story of a Ukrainian family trying to survive in the Prairies.

The Atlantic Independent Booksellers' Choice Award and the Dartmouth Book Award for Fiction went to seasoned writer Linden MacIntyre. Awards were given out in the categories of fiction, non-fiction and historical writing, poetry, and illustration.

With files from Nova Scotia Comes to Life and CBC.ca.

Read more at atlanticbookawards.ca.