ACT Notable Awards

It was a glorious night at the ACT Notable Awards! In typical fashion I managed to go to the wrong venue (in my defence I went to where the gallery used to be for about 20 years, not realising it had moved) and arrived very late. Unfashionably so, one might say, given that the ceremony was already underway.

I had barely divested myself of my coat before I was called up for The Breaking, so I wasn’t quite sure what was going on! It turns out that I was Highly Commended (one step above shortlisting) in the Fiction category. What a thrill that was! This book still means so much to me, and over a year after its release it is such a joy to see it still out there in the world doing so well.

But the celebrations weren’t over yet! I then won the Children’s category for my picture book Where the Heart Is. To be the only person shortlisted in two different categories was wonderful enough but to take out two awards was extremely happy-making. I love how big illustrator Susannah Crispe’s smile is! It says it all.

Much champagne was drunk in celebration, and to be surrounded by so many author friends who I admire and respect made the night extra special. Thanks to ACT Writers for everything that they do to support writers, and of course to the judges. Thanks also the artsACT for the grants that supported the development of The Breaking, without which it wouldn’t have happened.

In celebration of the awards I’m giving away all nine of my books this month. To go in the draw just sign up to my newsletter (box on this page). There’s something for every age and interest!