Dr James Cooper Shortlisted for $15,000 Grant,
South Australian Literary Awards 2024
Congratulations to Dr James Cooper, our head of Creative Writing and Communication program, who was recently shortlisted for the 2024 Max Fatchen Fellowship. The Fellowship, worth $15,000, forms part of the South Australian Literary Awards and is for a South Australian writer for young people working in the genres of fiction, drama, poetry or screenwriting. Named in honour of famed South Australian children’s author Max Fatchen, the grant aims to support local writers in the development of a new writing project.
Having published his first novel for young adults in 2022 (Something About Alaska), James is excited about the possibilities afforded by such a grant. His shortlisted project, The Children of Elphinstone, is a middle grade novel about three children who find themselves mysteriously transported back in time to the Victorian goldrush, and their quest to return to home. “It’s the kind of story that will take a lot of research and planning,” James says. “So having the time and financial support to work on it would be invaluable.”
The winner of the award will be announced in mid-October, and we certainly wish James all the best. Meanwhile, he remains focussed on his varied writing and editing commitments as well as teaching at Tabor: “Whether I win or not, it’s an honour to be recognised. I hope it inspires our students, too, seeing how remaining creatively active and taking chances can open up new possibilities for getting published.”
For details of all shortlisted writers in the 2024 South Australian Literary Awards, visit the State Library of South Australia website. For more info about James and his writing, visit jacooperwrites.com
