Prime Minister's Literary Award

Yesterday I spent the day at the National Library in Canberra where the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard announced the winners of the Prime Minister's Literary Award.

National Library Bookshop

I am thrilled and honoured that Pan's Whisper was shortlisted, along with Sue Saliba's Alaska, Barry Jonsberg's Being Here, Bill Condon's A Straight Line To My Heart and Robert Newton's When We Were Two, in the Young Adult Fiction section of the awards.

I went along to the award ceremony looking forward to the experience, but sure the winner wasn't Pan. I read all four of the other shortlisted novels, and loved them all, however, when I finished Robert's book, I turned to my husband and said, "I've just read the winner."
When We Were Two is simply beautiful and a much deserved winner of the Prime Minister's Award, Young Adult Fiction. Congrats Robert.

Again, a huge congratulations to all the winners and shortlistees. It was lovely to meet so many and share the day with such talented people.

PM Julia Gillard, Minister for the Arts, Simon Crean and PMLA winners.

 And finally, my sincerest thanks to Prime Minister, Julia Gillard and Minister for the Arts, Simon Crean, for their support of Australian writing and writers.

Tragically excited and honoured!

Shortlistees accepting their prize

Lunch with Di Bates and Bill Condon