Tamsin Janu shortlisted for the 2018 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards

We are thrilled to see AWC alumna and award-winning author Tamsin Janu shortlisted in 2018 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards Children’s fiction category for her book Figgy Takes the City.

From the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards media release:

The shortlists for this year’s Prime Minister’s Literary Awards have today been announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for Communications and the Arts, Senator Mitch Fifield.

The Awards play an important role in supporting a national appreciation of Australian literature and provide acknowledgement and recognition for authors and illustrators.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Awards reinforce the contribution literary arts make to Australia.

“I am pleased to announce this year’s shortlists. We have a wonderful group of talented authors and I welcome the opportunity to share their works with Australians,” said Prime Minister Morrison.

Minister Fifield said reading has far-reaching benefits, it expands our understanding and stimulates our imagination. These Awards reinforce the importance of literature and reading across all ages.

“This year we received more than 500 entries across the six prize categories, an exceptional response from our writers, poets, illustrators and historians,” Minister Fifield said.

This is the second year Tamsin has been shortlisted in the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards. Last year she was shortlisted for Figgy and the President.

For Tamsin, it all started when she enrolled in AWC’s course How to Write for Children and Young Adults.

“On the second day of the course I remember that’s when I came up with the idea for my first book, Figgy in the World!” said Tamsin.

Congratulations Tamsin – we are thrilled for you.

Check out the full shortlist here: