The Territory Read Awards were held in the NT State Library last Thursday, along with the NT Literary Awards. My third children’s novel, The Secret of the Lonely Isles, was one of the three finalists. It didn’t win, but it was a major thrill to see it short-listed alongside two other great books selected out of a field of a dozen. Taking the stage with the other finalist, Barry Jonsberg, I felt like we’d both won anyway, being presented with framed certificates of our books, and asked to make short speeches.The winner was a beautiful illustrated children’s book, Savannah Dreams by Lolla Stewart and Elaine Russell. (And my wonderful husband has put the framed certificate in pride of place in his Chambers office. Living on a boat means you don’t have room to hang things!)

It’s such a boost to have your work recognised like this. Australia’s a small market, and not many writers actually make a living out of their books. When governments support awards like these, it encourages and refreshes us, and lets us know our efforts are worthwhile. Writing can be a very lonely craft, but nights like this one remind you there’s a community of like-minded people out there too.

Now I’m back in Melbourne for a couple of weeks, spending time with my dear Dad and getting back to the trenches – literally speaking – my work in progress is partly set on the Western Front!  I’m now getting to grips with the redraft…   And to everyone who let me know my website was down – thanks. It’s back up – a glitch with the changeover from one domain registrar to another.