What’s it like to win a prestigious writing competition?
Be entertained, informed and inspired by Troy Henderson, winner of the 2025 Australian Fiction Prize, as the Fellowship of Australian Writers Queensland (FAWQ) presents Before and After the Prize: A Writer’s Journey at Redcliffe Library this month.
Troy said he was looking forward to sharing his journey – the time and effort, dizzying highs, rejections and pitfalls – and providing a glimmer of hope for anyone who had ever considered being an author.
“The main benefit of winning a major book prize is confirmation I’m on the right track,” he said. “I’ve never written for outside validation, but it helps solidify my dream of becoming a career author and ditching my day job.”
From Breakthrough to Next Chapter
Troy’s first book, Head Grenade, was shortlisted for several prizes and programs and published in 2023.
The manuscript for his second novel, River City, won The Australian Fiction Prize in 2025 and is due to be published by HarperCollins Australia in early 2027.
“I feel like I’ve been climbing this mountain, and I got boosted to the top,” he said. “Now it’s time to climb the next one.”
After Troy speaks, there will be a Q&A, followed by lucky door prizes, afternoon tea and networking.
Entry is $10 for FAWQ Members, and $15 for non-members. Book your spots here.
Before and After the Prize: A Writer’s Journey
- Saturday, 6 June, 2pm-3.30pm
- Redcliffe Library
- 476 Oxley Avenue, Redcliffe
Read more stories from our Redcliffe Guide print magazine here:
