Writing NSW is delighted to announce the 2020 fellowships have been awarded to Kylie Boltin and Eleanor Kirk.
Kylie Boltin was awarded the general fellowship for her novel, Snake Bite. With striking prose and a voice which will stay with the reader, Kylie explores cultural identity and systemic misogyny.
The fellowship for a writer under 30 was awarded to Eleanor Kirk for her sparkling young adult contemporary novel, People Watcher, which cleverly explores growing up and getting a little lost on the way. Fifteen-year-old Emma is determined to fix her parents’ marriage, and is convinced that temporarily splitting them up is the way to do it.
This year, the fellowships were judged by author Jarrah Dundler, Writing NSW Senior Program Officer Ashley Kalagian Blunt and representatives from Text Publishing. The judges were strongly impressed by the passion, quality and diversity across all entries, and wish all entrants the best in developing their craft.
Awarded annually, the Writing NSW Varuna Fellowships are for members of Writing NSW who have a work that is ready for the next stage of development. Two fellowships were available this year, with one place reserved for a writer under the age of 30. Through this initiative, the winners Kylie and Eleanor will receive a week-long residency at Varuna, the National Writers’ House, and a manuscript assessment from Text Publishing.