Jia Pingwa burnt joss sticks for his late parents after winning the 7th Mao Dun Literature Prize. [File photo]

Jia Pingwa

Shaanxi writer Jia Pingwa won the 7th Mao Dun Literature Prize in 2008. That day, he burnt joss sticks in front the photo of his parents at home and went to eat pita bread soaked in lamb soup.

Jia told Chinese media that he was very happy to receive the award, but emphasized that the purpose of writing was not for the prize, but for fun and the sense of mission.

"Writers have an unrestrained and vigorous style that brims with talent when they are busy with their writing. However, writers still live in a real world. It's hypocritical if I say I don't care about the prize. So my attitude is that if I win the prize, I will be exited; if not, I won't be daunted. Even if I win the prize, I will keep on writing, because that's the mission in my life and the fun of my life. I love literature and trust my readers for ever," he said.