Celebrating Australian gothic and our expanded partnership with Freo Press
Recently, the Fogarty Foundation, in partnership with Fremantle Press and The Literature Centre in WA, proudly launched two new Australian Gothic novels: A Wreck of Seabirds by Karleah Olson and Jasper Cliff by Josh Kemp. Both novels, which explore the darker aspects of the Australian landscape, were shortlisted for the 2023 Fogarty Literary Award and represent significant contributions to the Australian Gothic genre.
The launch event, held at The Literature Centre in Fremantle, brought together literature enthusiasts, supporters of Australian writing, and notable literary figures to celebrate the works of these talented authors. Foundation Chairperson, Annie Fogarty AM, officially launched the novels, highlighting the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting emerging Australian writers and promoting local literature. In her speech, Annie also announced an exciting funding increase and partnership expansion with Fremantle Press, further solidifying the Foundation’s support for the arts.
”The partnership and the Literary Award have been so successful in supporting new writers and enabling West Australian writers to tell West Australian stories’ Annie Fogarty AM
Attendees heartily welcomed Annie Fogarty’s announcement of increased funding in support of the Foundation’s expanded partnership with Fremantle Press, underscoring the community’s strong support for ongoing investment in Australian literature. This initiative will create more opportunities for emerging writers and further enhance the literary scene in WA. As part of this partnership, the authors will also embark on extended regional tours, offering schools hands-on workshops that delve into all aspects of storytelling.
Karleah Olson’s A Wreck of Seabirds is a brooding tale set on the Western Australian coast, written as part of her PhD thesis exploring entrapment and liminal spaces in Australian Coastal Gothic Literature. Olson explained that the novel captures how each protagonist is “trapped in one way or another,” whether physically on an island or emotionally by experiences of loss or grief. Her work draws heavily on the eerie and evocative elements that define the Australian Gothic tradition, presenting readers with a haunting narrative that lingers long after the final page.
Josh Kemp’s Jasper Cliff is the second novel from the award-winning author of Banjarwan. Kemp’s latest work is set in the East Pilbara, a region rarely explored in Australian literature, and it dives deep into the gothic horror genre to examine the effects of ongoing colonisation on the landscape and community. Kemp shared that his idea for Jasper Cliff stemmed from his extensive research into frontier history at the Battye Library, where he uncovered how history has often been manipulated or distorted by writers. This novel continues his exploration of dark, unsettling themes, reflecting on the lasting impacts of colonialism.
The evening featured an engaging in-conversation event led by Brooke Dunnell, winner of the 2021 Fogarty Literary Award. She delved into the novels’ dark themes, the authors’ inspirations, and their writing processes. Dunnell also discussed with Olson and Kemp their experiences preparing for and submitting their manuscripts to the 2023 Fogarty Literary Award and the journey from manuscript to published novel. The conversation provided rich insights into the creative and academic backgrounds of the authors, adding depth to the understanding of their work.
The event concluded with a lively book signing session and an opportunity for attendees to purchase copies of A Wreck of Seabirds and Jasper Cliff, courtesy of New Edition Bookshop. The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm as readers eagerly engaged with the authors, discussing the stories.
We extend our gratitude to Fremantle Press and The Literature Centre for their continued collaboration in championing Australian literature and nurturing new voices. We look forward to our expanded partnership, which will bring even more events that celebrate local talent and the power of storytelling, capturing the unique and often mysterious essence of the Australian landscape.
