Most readers here know the origins of the the Stella Prize. I have written about it many times before, but it was in my post on the inaugural longlist in 2013 that I described its origins and goals in a little detail. I wrote then that: The award was created by a group of 11 … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Stella Book of the Month
Literary awards
Barbara Kingsolver, Demon Copperhead (#BookReview)
Barbara Kingsolver's latest - and multi-award winning - novel, Demon Copperhead, was inspired, as I'm sure most of you know, by Charles Dickens' autobiographical novel, David Copperfield. Indeed, Demon Copperhead opens with an epigraph from that novel: “It’s in vain to recall the past, unless it works some influence upon the present.” This could be … Continue reading Barbara Kingsolver, Demon Copperhead (#BookReview)
Monday musings on Australian literature: Henry Mayer Book Prize
This last week I have become aware, via two different paths, of the Henry Mayer Book Prize. I feel I've seen it referenced before, but it hasn't fully registered. I certainly haven't written about it before, so, now's the time. I'll start by introducing the person for whom the prize is named, Henry Mayer (1919-1991). … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Henry Mayer Book Prize
ACT Book of the Year Award 2023 shortlist and winner
This year I attended, for the first time, the announcement of the ACT Book of the Year award, which was held at the Woden Public Library. For some reason our award doesn't get the media recognition or attention that it deserves. Sure, it is not one of the wealthiest literary prizes in the country, and … Continue reading ACT Book of the Year Award 2023 shortlist and winner
Finlay Lloyd 20/40 Publishing Prize 2023 Winning Books Launch with Conversation
I have written about Finlay Lloyd's 20/40 Publishing Prize a few times now, so I hope I'm not imposing too much on your precious time. However, this weekend was the launch here in Canberra, and it involved a conversation led by a favourite Canberra journalist, Virginia Hausseger, with the two winning authors. I had to … Continue reading Finlay Lloyd 20/40 Publishing Prize 2023 Winning Books Launch with Conversation
Kim Kelly, Ladies’ Rest and Writing Room (#BookReview)
Early in the month I reviewed the first of the two winners of Finlay Lloyd's inaugural 20/40 Publishing Prize, Rebecca Burton's Ravenous girls (my review). It was set in Sydney in the 1980s. Now, as promised, I bring you the other winner, Kim Kelly's Ladies' Rest and Writing Room. It is also set in Sydney, … Continue reading Kim Kelly, Ladies’ Rest and Writing Room (#BookReview)
Prime Minister’s Literary Awards Winners, 2023, announced
The Winners of the the Prime Minister's Literary Awards for 2023 were announced this evening. The website says that 643 entries were received across six literary categories: fiction, non-fiction, young adult literature, children’s literature, poetry, and Australian history. Each shortlisted entry receives $5,000 with the winner of each category receiving $80,000. The awards are now … Continue reading Prime Minister’s Literary Awards Winners, 2023, announced
Rebecca Burton, Ravenous girls (#BookReview)
When I announced the two winners of Finlay Lloyd's inaugural 20/40 Publishing Prize, a few days ago, I said I planned to read them for the Novellas in November challenge/meme/reading month. (What do we call these things?) So here, now, is my post on the first I've read, Rebecca Burton's Ravenous girls. Rebecca Burton, as … Continue reading Rebecca Burton, Ravenous girls (#BookReview)
Monday musings on Australian literature: Australian Political Book of the Year
It's fascinating just how many book awards there are in specialised areas. Last week I posted on the Dame Mary Gilmore Award, which started as a trade union supported award, but is now a more general poetry award. Yesterday I posted about the winners of the 20/40 short form prose award. Another specialised award is … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Australian Political Book of the Year
Winners announced for the inaugural 20/40 Prize
Last November, I announced the creation of the new 20/40 Publishing Prize by independent, non-profit publisher, Finlay Lloyd. And then, early this month, I announced the shortlist for the inaugural prize. Today, I announce the Winners. First though, I'll remind you that 20/40 is a manuscript award, with the prize being publication. It is not … Continue reading Winners announced for the inaugural 20/40 Prize
Whispering Gums 