Shortlisted author calls on old life

A former Harvey resident whose childhood “adventures” were spent at Binningup and Myalup beaches, has been shortlisted for a State literary award.
Kylie Howarth was shortlisted for the Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards Fellowship, one of five finalists for the prestigious gong.
“I feel honoured to have been included on the shortlist,” Ms Howarth said.
“To have been selected feels amazing, considering how many talented authors there are in WA.”
Ms Howarth was a graphic designer “in a previous life”, but after having children she decided she did not want to return to office life.
“Reading picture books to my children I realised (writing) was something I wanted to do,” she said.
There are strong ocean themes in her stories Chip, Fish Jam, Fish Kid and 1,2, Pirate Stew.
“My kids love the ocean,” Ms Howarth said.
“I guess I was inspired to write something that was tailored to their interests.”
Ms Howarth’s dad still lives in Harvey and she visits her hometown whenever she can.
She said her dad always had a keen interest in the ocean, which must have rubbed off on her.
“We used to go out in the old tinny at Binningup and Myalup,” she said. “Those early ocean adventures were definitely an inspiration for my books.”
The $60,000 prize money for the Fellowship Award is designed to help a WA writer of any genre develop their writing and give them the time to create new work. The winners will be announced on July 26 during the Disrupted Festival of Ideas at the State Library of WA in Perth.
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