Stellar lineup of authors announced for tenth anniversary
Today a stellar lineup of Australian authors is announced for the tenth anniversary edition of Australian Writers Week in China, 10-18 May.
Australia’s Ambassador to China HE Ms Jan Adams AO PSM says, “Over the past decade Australian Writers Week in China has seen many of Australia’s most exciting authors travel to China, to share their stories with Chinese audiences and celebrate contemporary Australian writing”.
“This tenth anniversary edition will be the biggest yet, as four leading Australian authors will tour bookshops, schools, libraries and universities in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi’an, Guangzhou, Hohhot, and Harbin.”
The lineup includes internationally renowned author and Man Booker Prize winner Tom Keneally; Pulitzer Prize winner Geraldine Brooks; king of young adult fiction John Marsden, and highly acclaimed Indigenous children’s author and illustrator Bronwyn Bancroft.
For over half a decade these authors have won the hearts and minds of readers and critics alike. Tom Keneally, one of Australia’s most popular and prolific writers, has published more than 30 novels, dramas, screenplays and books of non-fiction. He was the first Australian to be awarded The Man Booker Prize for Fiction for his 1982 novel, Schindler’s Ark, later made into the Academy Award-winning film, Schindler’s List.
With a background in journalism, Geraldine Brooks’ novels – including the Pulitzer Prize-winning March, as well as Caleb’s Crossing, People of the Book, and Year of Wonders – have become international bestsellers with over two million copies sold.
John Marsden has written more than 40 books with five million copies sold, including the landmark young fiction Tomorrow series. Also writing for young audiences, Bronwyn Bancroft has authored and illustrated 30 children’s books that explore the beauty of the Australian landscape and her connection to it.
The first Chinese publication of Big Rain Coming, a picture book illustrated by Bancroft, will be launched as part of this year’s Australian Writers Week in China. Brooks, Keneally and Marsden have all been published in Chinese translation.
Through partnerships with local publishers, retailers, educational and cultural institutions, including the strong network of Australian Studies Centres in Chinese universities, the annual Writers Week raises awareness of the quality and diversity of Australian literature with book-lovers young and old.
#AustralianWritersWeek
Media enquiries:
Joanna Bayndrian T: +86 10 51404297 M: +86 13910822594 E: Joanna.Bayndrian@dfat.gov.au (English)
Li Xiaojiao T: +86 10 51404395 M: +86 13810489563 E: Xiaojiao.Li@dfat.gov.au (Chinese)
Source: Australian Embassy China Website