Donnybrook writer Bill Swiggs has been announced as one of the top finalists in the international 2018 Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize for his shortlisted manuscript Blood on the Wattle.
Mr Swiggs is representing Australia, going up against three writers from the United Kingdom and one from the United States to take out top research award of £7,500.
The five writers all receive support to develop their shortlisted manuscripts from literary consultant David Llewelyn.
“All five on the shortlist show good understanding of the technicalities of novel writing, particularly with reference to narrative flow and pace, which are essential elements of adventure writing,” Mr Llewellyn said.
Mr Swiggs grew up in Foster, Victoria before moving to Esperance at eight years old, there he finished year 12 and then joined the Royal Australian Air Force as an aviation firefighter.
He said his love for writing began at an early age when there was no television reception in town and it was further developed when he joined the air force.
“I have always had a thing for bush rangers and colonial history and when I was stationed in NSW was where I met my wife Rhonda and I used to drag her all around the country side to visit an inconspicuous piece of ground where something happened 100 to 150 years ago, which didn’t interest her much but found very interesting,” he said.
He moved to Donnybrook with Rhonda 13 years ago and has three children Alison, Rachel and Michael and seven grandchildren.
He continues to divide his time to writing, flying and spending time with family.
The winner off the 2018 Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize will be announced on September 20 in London.
