Broome author’s joy after award

Award-winning Broome novelist Jacqueline Wright is continuing to make her mark on the literary world after her book Red Dirt Talking was longlisted for the prestigious Miles Franklin Literary Awards.

The TAG Hungerford award winner said she was stunned by the news.

“They were on the other end of the phone waiting quietly for me to scream or show some form of excitement,” she said.

“But instead I dropped into the foetal position and started bawling my eyes out.”

Ms Wright said being longlisted for the award was “unbelievable” and the achievement had restored her confidence as a writer.

“Being a writer is a lonely and isolated business, especially when you’re a regional writer,” she said.

“When you don’t have access to the writing world and when you can’t regularly attend festivals, it can really affect your confidence.”

The author said she hoped the accomplishment would draw serious attention to WA literature.

“It’s nice for a regional WA writer to be recognised by a competition like this and be given a voice,” she said.

Ms Wright said she would be excited and apprehensive to hear the shortlist announced but wanted to enjoy this achievement first.

“I am quite happy to sit in this amazing bubble for a month revelling before the shortlist is announced.”