Tarjei Vesaas's debutantpris is a prize awarded annually for the best first literary work in Norwegian

Norwegian language

Norwegian is a North Germanic language spoken primarily in Norway, where it is the official language. Together with Swedish and Danish, Norwegian forms a continuum of more or less mutually intelligible local and regional variants .These Scandinavian languages together with the Faroese language...

. It is awarded by the Norwegian Authors' Union

Norwegian Authors' Union

The Norwegian Authors' Union is an association of Norwegian authors. It was established in 1893 to promote Norwegian literature and protect Norwegian authors' professional and economic interests. DnF also works in solidarity with persecuted writers internationally.As of 2004 the association had...

, and the organisation's 9-member Literary Caucus constitutes the jury for the prize. They choose the winner based on a free and independent evaluation on aesthetic criteria.

In accordance with an agreement between the Authors' Union and the Norwegian Publishers' Association, all newly published Norwegian literature is sent to all members of the Literary Caucus. The members thus choose the year's winner without there being any direct application for the prize. The winner is chosen at the Literary Caucus' annual 3-day January meeting, at which the caucus performs most of the tasks within its mandate, concerning stipends, guaranteed income and prizes. The prize is usually awarded in March.

The prize was instituted in 1964 by Tarjei Vesaas

Tarjei Vesaas

[Tarjei Vesaas was a Norwegian poet and novelist. Born in Vinje, Telemark, Vesaas is widely considered to be one of Norway's greatest writers of the twentieth century and perhaps its most important since World War II....

 with the money he received as winner of the Nordic Council's Literature Prize that year. Reflecting his intent, the literary merit of the work is the most important criterion, but if possible the prize is awarded to a young writer, 35 at the most. Vesaas and his wife Halldis Moren Vesaas

Halldis Moren Vesaas

Halldis Moren Vesaas was a Norwegian poet, translator and writer of children's books. She established herself as one of the leading female Norwegian writer of her generation.-Biography:...

 (who were not themselves involved in the judging) were delighted that in its second year the prize went to Jan Erik Vold

Jan Erik Vold

Jan Erik Vold is a Norwegian lyric poet, translator and author. He was a core member of the so-called "Profil generation", the circle attached to the literary magazine Profil. Throughout his career as an artist, he has had the ability to reach the public, both with his poetry and his political views...

, who had been their lodger in summer 1964 at the 'writer's hut' Juvstøyl.

Winners

Year	Author	Work
2010	Flatland Helga Flatland	Bli hvis du kan. Reis hvis du må
2009	Evjemo/Skomsvold Eivind Hofstad Evjemo Kjersti Annesdatter Skomsvold Kjersti Annesdatter Skomsvold Kjersti Annesdatter Skomsvold was born in Oslo in 1979. She made her literary debut in 2009 with the novel Jo fortere jeg går, jo mindre er jeg , which won her the Tarjei Vesaas' Debutant Prize, was nominated to the Norwegian Booksellers' Prize and has been translated into eight languages Kjersti...	Vekk meg hvis jeg sovner Jo fortere jeg går, jo mindre er jeg
2008	Sveen Lars Petter Sveen	Køyre frå Fræna
2007	Smith Nils Henrik Smith	Manhattan Skyline
2006	Blatt Thomas Marco Blatt	Slik vil jeg måle opp verden
2005	Karlsvik Mette Karlsvik Mette Karlsvik Mette Karlsvik is a Norwegian author and journalist.-Biography and career:Karlsvik was raised in Frei, Nordmøre, and has an International Baccalaureate from the Red Cross Nordic United World College. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts from the Glasgow School of Art, a B.A...	Vindauga i matsalen vender mot fjorden
2004	Ness Ole Asbjørn Ness	Det er natt
2003	Løvåsen Sigmund Løvåsen	Nyryddinga
2002	Kriznik Heidi Marie Kriznik Heidi Marie Kriznik Heidi Marie Kriznik is a Norwegian novelist. She made her literary début in 2002 with the novel Applaus, for which she was awarded the Tarjei Vesaas' debutantpris. In 2007 she published the novel Borte en vinter.-References:...	Applaus
2001	Tiller Carl Frode Tiller Carl Frode Tiller Carl Frode Tiller is a Norwegian author, historian and musician. His works are in Nynorsk , one of the two official Norwegian standard languages....	Skråninga
2000	Kristensen Mirjam Kristensen Mirjam Kristensen Mirjam Kristensen is a Norwegian novelist and non-fiction writer. She made her literary début in 2000 with the novel Dagene er gjennomsiktige, for which she was awarded the Tarjei Vesaas' debutantpris. In 2001 she published the novel De som er ute i regnværet. She published the documentary Etter...	Dagene er gjennomsiktige
1999	Wærness Gunnar Wærness Gunnar Wærness Gunnar Wærness is a Norwegian poet. He made his literary début in 1999 with the poetry collection Kongesplint, for which he was awarded the Tarjei Vesaas' debutantpris. Among his other poetry collections are Takk from 2002, and Hverdag from 2006.-References:...	Kongesplint
1998	Marstein Trude Marstein Trude Marstein Trude Marstein is a Norwegian author. She attended Telemark University College and studied creative writing studies. At the University of Oslo she studied pedagogy, psychology, and the history of literature...	Sterk sult, plutselig kvalme
1997	Ramslie Lars Ramslie Lars Ramslie Lars Ramslie is a Norwegian novelist. He made his literary début in 1997 with the novel Biopsi, for which he was awarded the Tarjei Vesaas' debutantpris. His novel Fatso from 2003 was basis for a film from 2008.-References:...	Biopsi
1996	Opstad Steinar Opstad Steinar Opstad Steinar Opstad is a Norwegian poet. He made his literary debut in 1996 with the poetry collection Tavler og bud, which earned him Tarjei Vesaas' debutantpris.He was awarded the Aschehoug Prize in 2003.-References:...	Tavler og bud
1995	Eeg Harald Rosenløw Eeg Harald Rosenløw Eeg Harald Rosenløw Eeg is a Norwegian novelist and script writer. He made his literary début in 1995 with the youth novel Glasskår, for which he was awarded the Tarjei Vesaas' debutantpris. The novel was basis for a film from 2002. He was awarded the Brage Prize in 2004 for the youth novel...	Glasskår
1995	Renberg Tore Renberg Tore Renberg Tore Renberg made his literary debut in 1995 with the collection of short prose Sovende floke for which he won the prestigious Tarjei Vesaas' Debutant Prize. Since then he has written several novels and children's books, one collection of prose and made one book of collages...	Sovende floke
1994	Grøndahl Cathrine Grøndahl Cathrine Grøndahl Cathrine Grøndahl is a Norwegian poet. She made her literary début in 1993 with the poetry collection Riv ruskende rytmer, for which she was awarded the Tarjei Vesaas' debutantpris. Among her other poetry collections are I klem mellom natt og dag from 1996, Det har ingenting med kjærlighet å gjøre...	Riv ruskende rytmer
1993	Besigye Bertrand Besigye Bertrand Besigye Bertrand Besigye is a Norwegian writer. He made his debut in 1993 with the poetry collection Og du dør så langsomt at du tror du lever, for which he won the Tarjei Vesaas' debutantpris.- Bibliography :...	Og du dør så langsomt at du tror du lever
1992	Lund Thure Erik Lund Thure Erik Lund Thure Erik Lund is a Norwegian author and cabinet maker. He debuted in 1992 with the novel Tanger, for which he won Tarjei Vesaas' debutantpris.- Bibliography :*Tanger – novel...	Tanger
1991	Vatle Sylvelin Vatle Sylvelin Vatle Sylvelin Vatle Sylvelin Vatle Sylvelin Vatle ((born 4 September 1957 in Osterøy) is a Norwegian novelist and children's writer. She made her literary début in 1991 with the novel Alle kjenner vel presten?, for which she was awarded the Tarjei Vesaas' debutantpris. Among her children's books are...	Alle kjenner vel presten?
1990	Versto Stein Versto	Ho blei borte i trappene
1989	Hollup Anne Grete Hollup Anne Grete Hollup Anne Grete Hollup is a Norwegian novelist, playwright and children's writer. She made her literary début in 1989 with the novel Maria og knivmakeren, for which she was awarded the Tarjei Vesaas' debutantpris. Among her children's books is Tyven from 1993.-References:...	Maria og knivmakeren
1988	Lian Torun Lian Torun Lian Torun Lian is a Norwegian playwright, film director and novelist. She made her literary début in 1988 with the collection Tre skuespill, for which she was awarded the Tarjei Vesaas' debutantpris. Among her films are Bare skyer beveger stjernene from 1998, and Ikke naken, ikke kledt from...	Tre skuespill
1987	Vinterbo-Hohr Aagot Vinterbo-Hohr Aagot Vinterbo-Hohr Aagot Vinterbo-Hohr is a Norwegian physician and writer. She made her literary début in 1987 with the text collection Palimpsest, for which she was awarded the Tarjei Vesaas' debutantpris. She published the poetry collection Kjærlighetsfuge in 1991.-References:...	Palimpsest
1986	Lie Sissel Lie Sissel Lie Sissel Lie is a Norwegian novelist, translator, and playwright.-Biography:Sissel Lie was born in Kristiansand, in Vest-Agder county, Norway. She has been a professor of Romance languages and literature at the University of Trondheim since 1992. Her literary début, the short story collection...	Tigersmil
1985	Olsen Morten Harry Olsen Morten Harry Olsen Morten Harry Olsen is a Norwegian author. Olsen studied criminology at the University of Oslo and philosophy at the University of Tromsø. He has worked as a travel agent, taxi driver, night porter, journalist, translator, office worker, literary critic, education consultant, and teacher...	For alt vi er verdt
1984	Bøe Anne Bøe Anne Bøe Anne Bøe is a Norwegian poet. She made her literary début in 1984 with the poetry collection Silkestein, for which she was awarded the Tarjei Vesaas' debutantpris. Among her later poetry collections are Ildrose from 1989, and minimum from 2009.-References:...	Silkestein
1983	Gjerseth Kjell Gjerseth	Chakoo
1982	Jacobsen Roy Jacobsen Roy Jacobsen Roy Jacobsen is a Norwegian novelist and short-story writer. Born in Oslo, he made his publishing début in 1982 with the short-story collection Fangeliv , which won Tarjei Vesaas' debutantpris...	Fangeliv
1981	Jenssen Frank A. Jenssen Frank A. Jenssen Frank A. Jenssen is a Norwegian journalist, photographer, novelist and musician. He made his literary début in 1981 with the novel Saltbingen, for which he was awarded the Tarjei Vesaas' debutantpris. He published the novel Lengselens år in 2004.-References:...	Saltbingen
1980	Eggen Jo Eggen Jo Eggen Jo Eggen is a Norwegian poet. He made his literary début in 1980 with the poetry collection Ting og tings skygger, for which he was awarded the Tarjei Vesaas' debutantpris. He published the collection Stavkirkedikt in 2010.-References:...	Ting og tings skygger
1979	Herbjørnsrud Hans Herbjørnsrud Hans Herbjørnsrud Hans Herbjørnsrud is a Norwegian author of short stories. His works frequently play with the differences between Norwegian languages Bokmål and Nynorsk and the various Norwegian dialects...	Vitner
1978	Bjugn Sissel Solbjørg Bjugn Sissel Solbjørg Bjugn Sissel Solbjørg Bjugn is a Norwegian poet and children's writer.She was born in Bardu. She made her literary début in 1978 with the book Den første avisa på Lofotveggen, for which she was awarded the Tarjei Vesaas' debutantpris. Her children's book Jente i bitar from 1992 was awarded the Brage...	Den første avisa på Lofotveggen
1977	Rønning Bjarne Rønning Bjarne Rønning Bjarne Rønning is a Norwegian children's writer. He made his literary début in 1977 with the children's book Bjarne Huldasons sjøreise, for which he was awarded the Tarjei Vesaas' debutantpris. He is also known as a football player and has coached Lyn and Skeid.-References:...	Bjarne Huldasons sjøreise
1976	Christensen Lars Saabye Christensen Lars Saabye Christensen Lars Saabye Christensen, born 21 September 1953 in Oslo, is a Norwegian author.Saabye Christensen was raised in the Skillebekk neighbourhood of Oslo, but lived for many years in Sortland in northern Norway; both places play a major role in his work...	Historien om Gly
1975	Moe Ingvar Moe Ingvar Moe Ingvar Moe was a Norwegian poet, novelist and children's writer. He published over 20 books including short stories, novels, poetry and textbooks. -Biography:...	Løktastolpefrø
1974	Mathisen Karin Mathisen (Karin Fossum Karin Fossum Karin Fossum is a Norwegian author of crime fiction, often referred to as the "Norwegian queen of crime".-Biography:Karin Mathisen was born in Sandefjord in Vestfold county, Norway. She currently lives in Oslo. Fossum debuted as a poet with Kanskje i morgen, her first collection published in... )	Kanskje i morgen
1973	Lem Steinar Lem Steinar Lem Steinar Henning Lem was a Norwegian environmental activist, author and spokesperson for Fremtiden i våre hender , Norway's largest movement for comprehensive social change. He criticized the consumption-oriented society and focus on economic growth, and the difference in income between the rich...	Signaler
1972	Pedersen Erling Pedersen Erling Pedersen Erling Pedersen is a Norwegian novelist, writer of short stories, and children's writer. -Biography:Erling Pedersen was born in Rauma, in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway. Pedersen moved to Hedrum as a teacher in 1973...	Rottenes konge
1971	Reinertsen Eivind Reinertsen	Lukk opp dørene, krigen er over
1970	Aremk Joachim Aremk (Karl Halvor Teigen)	Tapetdører
1969	Sande Hans Sande Hans Sande Hans Sande is a Norwegian psychiatrist, poet, novelist and children's writer. He made his literary début in 1969 with the poetry collection Strime, for which he was awarded the Tarjei Vesaas' debutantpris. Among his children's books are Lita grøn grasbok from 1972 and Trastedikt from...	Strime
1968	Sagen Rolf Sagen Rolf Sagen Rolf Sagen is a Norwegian author. He is curator and daily leader of the Bergen Academy of Writing.He has produced novels, short stories, scripts and children's books. He debuted in 1968 with the poetry collection Dørklinker, which won Tarjei Vesaas' debutantpris...	Dørklinker
1967	Grøgaard Johan Fredrik Grøgaard Johan Fredrik Grøgaard Johan Fredrik Grøgaard is a Norwegian dentist, novelist, children's writer and crime writer. He made his literary debut in 1967 with the novel Dyvekes grav, for which he received Tarjei Vesaas' debutantpris. He received the Norwegian Critics Prize for Best children's book in 1983 for Jeg, Wilhem,...	Dyvekes grav
1966	Obrestad Tor Obrestad Tor Obrestad Tor Obrestad is a Norwegian novelist, poet and documentary writer. He made his literary debut in 1966 with two books, the poetry collection Kollisjon and a collection of short stories, Vind, and received Tarjei Vesaas' debutantpris for these two books...	Kollisjon (poem), Vind (novellas)
1965	Vold Jan Erik Vold Jan Erik Vold Jan Erik Vold is a Norwegian lyric poet, translator and author. He was a core member of the so-called "Profil generation", the circle attached to the literary magazine Profil. Throughout his career as an artist, he has had the ability to reach the public, both with his poetry and his political views...	Mellom speil og speil
1964	Jakobsen Sigmund Jakobsen	Gjennom brend by