Australian writers have been capturing attention - here and overseas - in the last few months. I've been noting these stories as they've popped up, and kept planning to post on them, but somehow, time just slipped by and more stories kept coming. Consequently, most Aussie readers here will know most of these news items … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Writers in the news (1)
Literary awards
Finlay Lloyd 20/40 Publishing Prize 2024 Winning Books Launch with Conversation
I mentioned the nonfiction winner of the 2024 Finlay Lloyd 20/40 Publishing Prize, in this week's Monday Musings, but saved the full winner announcement until after I attended the launch at a conversation with the winning authors this weekend. The participants This year, as publisher Julian Davies had hoped, there was a prize for fiction … Continue reading Finlay Lloyd 20/40 Publishing Prize 2024 Winning Books Launch with Conversation
Monday musings on Australian literature: Aussie Booker Prize listees
In terms of the Booker Prize, it's been a long time between drinks for Aussie writers. By this I mean that Charlotte Wood's shortlisting for the 2024 prize with Stone Yard devotional, breaks the longest drought Australian writers have had in terms of being listed for the prize since its commencement in 1969. It has … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Aussie Booker Prize listees
Finlay Lloyd’s 20/40 Prize 2024: Shortlist announced
And, the interesting literary awards keep coming. In November 2022, I announced the creation of the new 20/40 Publishing Prize by the local-to-my-region independent, non-profit publisher, Finlay Lloyd. A year later, in October 2023, I announced the inaugural shortlist, and soon after that, the winners, Rebecca Burton's Ravenous girls (my review) and Kim Kelly's Ladies’ … Continue reading Finlay Lloyd’s 20/40 Prize 2024: Shortlist announced
2024 Mark and Evette Moran Nib Literary Award shortlist
Recently, I posted on the shortlist for the Barbara Jefferis Award, which has a very specific goal concerning the depiction of women and girls in a positive way or in a way that empowers the status of women and girls in society. Today, I'm sharing another shortlist for another award with a specific focus. The … Continue reading 2024 Mark and Evette Moran Nib Literary Award shortlist
Barbara Jefferis Award 2024 Shortlist Announced
I didn't report on this biennial award in 2022, but with the 2024 shortlist just having been announced, and my having read half of them, I am reminding us all again of this interesting award. Worth $50,000, this award, for those of you who don't remember it, has very specific criteria: "the best novel written by … Continue reading Barbara Jefferis Award 2024 Shortlist Announced
Monday musings on Australian literature: First Nations Australian short story collections
NAIDOC Week 2024 National Logo NAIDOC Week 2024 finished yesterday, but, as I often do, I am bookending the week with Monday Musings posts. Last week, I posted on First Nations Australian Stella listees. This week I'd like to highlight some recent (meaning 21st century) short story collections. In my admittedly limited experience, First Nations … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: First Nations Australian short story collections
ALS Gold Medal for 2024 announced
It is some time since I wrote about the ALS Gold Medal. This is not because I don't think it's interesting or worthwhile, but because there are so many awards, and I just don't have the time to write up announcements for every award made each year. So, I pick and choose a bit, and … Continue reading ALS Gold Medal for 2024 announced
Monday musings on Australian literature: First Nations Australian Stella listees
NAIDOC Week 2024 National Logo Yesterday was the start of NAIDOC Week 2024. As has been my practice since 2013, I'm devoting this week's Monday Musings to the cause. NAIDOC Week's theme this year is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud. Without specifically stating it, this theme responds, I'm sure, to the devastating … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: First Nations Australian Stella listees
ACT Literary Awards 2024
On Thursday evening, I attended the presentation of the ACT Literary Awards (which I also attended last year when they were called the ACT Notable Book Awards). These awards are made by Marion (the ACT Writers Centre), and this year's event was MC'd by the CEO Katy Mutton (left) and Board Chair, Emma Batchelor. As … Continue reading ACT Literary Awards 2024
Whispering Gums 