Riwoe, Beudel awarded Copyright Agency author fellowships

The Copyright Agency has awarded $80,000 writing fellowships to Mirandi Riwoe and Saskia Beudel.

Riwoe received the Author Fellowship to write her novel A Short History of Longans, a story following several generations of an Irish-Chinese family in Australia. ‘A Short History of Longans will examine questions of loyalty and belonging and how ideas or feelings of nationalism can change over several generations but also within one lifetime,’ said the Copyright Agency.

Riwoe said: ‘I have been buoyed by the confidence the peers have shown in my upcoming book and I’m even more excited about continuing this project. The fellowship will ensure I have the necessary time and means to immerse myself in the writing and research of my novel. I could not be more grateful.’

Beudel received the Fellowship for Nonfiction Writing to work on Peaking: High intensity training at the end of the world, which explores ageing and physical performance through undertaking the Peaks Challenge, a one-day cycling event in the Australian Alps. ‘Peaking explores what it takes to “peak” (or not) in middle age, with the body as a site of both loss and possibility,’ the Copyright Agency said.

Beudel said: ‘It’s such an honour to receive this fellowship, knowing that my new book struck a chord with the peers. I feel I’m taking a risk with this work, it’s quite personal, so it was reassuring and exciting to find out that it speaks not only to my own preoccupations and interests but to others as well. I can’t thank the Copyright Agency enough.’

The Author Fellowship was assessed by Bruce Pascoe, Elfie Shiosaki and ABC’s The Bookshelf co-presenter Kate Evans, while the Fellowship for Nonfiction Writing was assessed by Krissy Kneen, Sam Twyford-Moore and Sisonke Msimang.

‘The Cultural Fund is committed to supporting Australian writers and championing Australian stories and new perspectives on Australian life. The calibre of this year’s applicants once again reflects the extraordinary depth of writing talent we have in this country,’ said Copyright Agency CEO Josephine Johnston, who was appointed to the role in December last year.

The 2021 fellowships were awarded to Robert Drewe and Anna Krien.

For more information, see the Copyright Agency website.

Pictured L–R: Riwoe (credit: Claudia Baxter), Beudel.

Category: Awards Local news