Where are they now: Past winners and finalists of the Young Writers Award

Since 1998, the Young Writers Award has recognised and celebrated a diversity of young and exciting Queensland voices. The award is an amazing opportunity for young writers all over Queensland to showcase works of short fiction, make long-lasting industry connections, and achieve publication. 

Entering the award helps young authors launch their literary careers, with many winners and finalists going on to publish books and win major national prizes. Entries for 2023 are open now. 

We caught up with past winners and finalists of the Young Writers Award to find out what they're up to now, and how the award helped them get there.

Callum Brockett, 2022 Winner 

Why did you enter the Young Writers Award?

I’ve been entering the Young Writers Award since I first turned 18. I first entered because I’d just started a creative writing degree and wanted to enter a piece of work I’d written as part of the course. I was always so impressed with the quality of the winners each year, so I know it wouldn’t be easy to be placed amongst them. To find out that I’d been selected as a runner-up in 2020, and to win the competition in 2022 (in the final year I was eligible) was a real honour. 

Can you share the outcomes you have had from your success in the Young Writers Award?

I was only selected as a  winner in 2022, so it might be a little too early to say. But I’ve also always felt that this competition was an important part of my development as a writer, fine-tuning my writing abilities each year in response to rejection. I also feel that being selected as a runner-up and winner really validated my abilities and acknowledged my development as a young writer. Putting creative work out there can always be daunting, so to be recognised in this way really helped with my confidence and approach to writing. I think these competitions are incredibly important for young writers. Not only does it validate your skillset through acceptance, but it exposes you to rejection and the desire for self-improvement.   

What is next for you and your writing?

I’m really enjoying writing as a hobby alongside my 9-5,working in the Graduate program with the Department of Social Services in Canberra. 

Although I’ll always be looking to put my work out there, not having to write for a particular university subject or competition has been really great. But hopefully one day I can turn more of my attention back to creative writing. I’d love to commit to a bigger project, like writing my first novel. 

Zarin Nuzhat, 2021 Runner Up

Why did you enter the Young Writers Award?

I entered the Young Writers Award as a way to challenge myself and practice sharing my work with others. Each time I entered I tried experimenting with different writing styles and different concepts that I sometimes struggled to put down on paper.  

Can you share the outcomes you have had from your success in the Young Writers Award?

The most wonderful thing was that my friends and family started reading my work. This was also the first prize I had gotten as a writer, and this helped me feel as though writing was a dream that might in some way become a reality in the future.  

What is next for you and your writing?

I am working on a short story collection – but most importantly, working on making writing a part of my everyday life.  

Sasha Vucicevic, 2022 Runner Up

Why did you enter the Young Writers Award?  

I entered the writers competition to rediscover the passion I had for writing - it’s the thing that makes me feel alive. I like a good deadline and so made it my mission to have a submission. It was a move for self rediscovery, exploration and it was a huge encouragement to keep going on that journey.  

What is next for you and your writing? 

I’m working full time as an English/Drama/Humanities teacher. Makes writing a little difficult, but we make time! I am working on projects slowly but surely - being shortlisted in the YWA felt like a big “Yes! Keep writing!” from the world…and I won’t say no! 

Ellen Vickerman, 2020 and 2021 Winner

Why did you enter the Young Writers Award?  

I entered the Young Writers Award because I'd been to young writers' workshops at State Library of Queensland and they were always an incredibly positive experience. We were also encouraged to enter the award by tutors at university. Programs at State Library like Brisbane Writers Festival and the Young Writers Award are a great way to make connections with other local writers and grow your community.  

Can you share the outcomes you have had from your success in the Young Writers Award?  

Through the award, I was able to publish with Griffith Review, which later led to a fellowship, where I received valuable mentoring on my writing and the opportunity to publish again.  

What is next for you and your writing? 

Winning the Young Writers Award was also a great encouragement to keep writing and experimenting with different styles and structures. I'm learning to use a voice-to-text program, so that's changed up how I work quite a bit. Currently, I'm focused on writing for enjoyment, and playing around with a range of narrative forms. I'm also planning (and re-planning) a novel. 

Ellie Kaddatz, 2021 and 2022 Runner Up

Why did you enter the Young Writers Award?

I entered the Young Writers Award because it seemed more accessible than some writing awards in Australia. After being a runner up in 2021, it would have been silly not to keep entering while I'm still under 25. 

Can you share the outcomes you have had from your success in the Young Writers Award?

Being able to meet and hear from other emerging writers in Queensland and seeing the amazing work of the Library and the Queensland Writers Centre in person was so lovely, and gave me a more concrete goal for my writing. 

What is next for you and your writing?

I am working and doing some editing and copywriting freelance, as well as working on more short stories. Who knows - maybe I'll enter the award this year too!

Eden Annesley, 2021 Runner Up

Why did you enter the Young Writers Award?

I entered the Young Writer's Comp in 2021 with my story Halcyon, and was delighted to receive third runner up. I find writing is a fantastic way to work through thoughts and feelings; as a result, my story became about the changing identity and perceptions of a girl as she grows older, perhaps mirroring some of my own experiences in moving away from home.  

Can you share the outcomes you have had from your success in the Young Writers Award?

I was able to send a short section of my manuscript to a literary agent at the University of Queensland Press, which was very exciting. I was very encouraged by her feedback and was spurred onto finishing my novel, Nelsons Gap, a murder mystery set in the Australian Outback, which is still being edited.

What is next for you and your writing?

I am in my third year of a Bachelor of Music (Violin Performance) at the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University, but I also work part time in music teaching and events management. I hope to continue working on short stories over the coming years, as well as foraying into a new novel, a bildungsroman about music, life and the purpose of art. 

Maxwell Freedman, 2022 Runner Up

Why did you enter the Young Writers Award?

I heard about the award in my first year of uni (one of my lecturers suggested I try it out). I spent a few years procrastinating, but it kept popping up in my social media feeds, and I felt kind of guilty that I hadn't entered yet. I knew I could do well if I sat down and seriously wrote something, and last year I finally did.  

Can you share the outcomes you have had from your success in the Young Writers Award?

Bit cliche, but confidence is probably the best thing. I also got to talk to a publisher, which I didn't expect to happen! Especially because I was only a runner-up.  

What is next for you and your writing?

I'm going to try to finish a novel, I think. I'll keep writing my little songs and short stories too (I might even enter the award again this year), but a novel feels like the ultimate goal.