Curtis wins 2012 Johnno Award

Thursday, 6 December 2012 Books+Publishing

Bundaberg-based author and festival convener Sandy Curtis has won the 2012 Johnno Award, presented by the Queensland Writers Centre (QWC) for outstanding contributions to writing in Queensland.

Curtis has written six romance books, the most recent of which is Fatal Flaw (Clan Destine Press). She is also a creative-writing teacher and the convenor of the Bundaberg WriteFest, and was previously a member of the QWC management committee.

QWC chair Kevin Gillespie said in a statement that Curtis ‘has consistently made a major contribution to the advancement of literature in Queensland’. ‘Sandy’s approach and commitment to the writing community of Queensland has been, and continues to be, one of dedication and selfless application,’ he said.

Curtis said in the same statement that she is ‘very honoured to be chosen’ for the award, but said she is ‘just one of many people who love this industry and want to help writers achieve their goals’.

The Johnno Award was established in 2001 and is named after the David Malouf novel. Past winners of the award include poet Graham Nunn, author Nick Earls, co-owner of Avid Reader Bookshop and former president of the Australian Booksellers Association Fiona Stager and former publishing manager at University of Queensland Press and founding chair of the QWC Craig Munro.

Category: Local news