UQP author awarded prestigious national literary prize

Brooks is the author of 6 collections of poetry along with several novels and works of short fiction.

“This is a very special award and means a great deal to me: that it cannot be applied for; that it’s assessed by a panel of one’s peers; that it’s not given for a particular book but recognises work in numerous genres and over a long stretch of time,” Brooks said.

“The list of recipients has included many of the best and most interesting Australian writers of the past 50 years, and I never expected to be in such company.

“I am greatly honoured, and a little stunned, to find myself there, but, like a cat who suddenly discovers it’s got 10 lives after all, will do all I can to confirm my place."

David Brooks has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with UQP and his distinguished career includes numerous accolades, with his work winning or being shortlisted for major prizes across many genres.

His debut short fiction collection The Book of Sei (1985) was heralded as the one of the country’s most impressive debuts in Australian short fiction, while his novel The Fern Tattoo (2007) was shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Literary Award.

The Sydney Morning Herald praised his poetry collection The Balcony (2008) as “an electric performance”.

UQP Publishing Director Madonna Duffy congratulated Brooks and said it was an honour to work with him.

“UQP has been David Brooks's publisher since the mid-2000s across a number of novels, short story collections, non-fiction and poetry volumes, including his most recent book, The Other Side of Daylight, which last month won the Prime Minister’s Literary Award for Poetry,” Ms Duffy said.

“His immense literary knowledge, intellect, commitment to animal rights and, of course, his incredible writing talent are an inspiration.”

The award was established in 1975 by author Patrick White to advance Australian literature by encouraging novels, short stories, poetry or plays for publication or performance.

The $20,000 cash prize is given to a writer 'who has been highly creative over a long period but has not necessarily received adequate recognition.'