Chief Minister’s NT Book Awards

The Chief Minister’s NT Book Awards return this month, celebrating the work of Territory writers.

^{By Jenna Kirkham}

SINCE 2009, THE Chief Minister’s NT Book Awards have honoured local authors and their recently published works across three categories – fiction, non-fiction, and young adult/children.

Mary Anne Butler took out the 2018 Book of the Year for her work, Broken, and says it gave her confidence a good boost.

“It’s always a beautiful feeling to have the work validated by external readers. Writing for me is a constant balance of hard work and massive self-doubt … So, when a work is validated externally, it’s a lovely affirmation to keep going!”

Created by the NT Writers’ Centre (NTWC), the awards offer a share of $36,000, and are open to published authors, established and emerging, residing in or born in the NT.

“It’s vital to keep NT writers and their works on the national radar. The Chief Minister’s Book Awards lends a gravitas to NT literature and provides a raised national profile for NT writers and NT stories,” says Butler.

“It provides an opportunity for the NT writing and broader communities to come together and celebrate the hard work and terrific products produced within the NT.”

This year’s winners are revealed at a special, invite-only ceremony in Mparntwe/Alice Springs mid-month, so keep your eye on the NTWC socials to find out who to celebrate in 2024.

WHEN WINNERS ANNOUNCED THU 17 OCT
INFO ntwriters.com.au

^{Thumbnail & inset: L-R Authors Mary Anne Butler and Karen Manoton with MC Sarah L'Estrange, Paz Tassone}