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Reposted by The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers

The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 winner of The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers, Elise Thornthwaite! 🎉 The Prize was established in memory of beloved #LoveOzYA author Steph Bowe, and honours her passion for fostering and mentoring emerging writers. www.stephboweprize.com

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Thank you to everyone who submitted to The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers. The Prize reopens 1 February 2027. www.stephboweprize.com

http://www.stephboweprize.com

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Elise’s Steph Bowe Prize-winning #LoveOzYA manuscript 'The Summer I Stayed' is set in a regional Australian town similar to one she grew up in and follows a young woman navigating the transition into adulthood while remaining in her hometown. Congratulations again Elise!

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Elise Thornthwaite’s writing is shaped by her lived experience in regional and remote Australia, and by close observation of the everyday moments that influence how young people understand themselves and their futures.

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Elise is an Aboriginal writer and educator from regional NSW who currently lives and works in the Northern Territory. She works in early childhood education and family programs in remote communities, where her work informs her interest in stories about place, responsibility, and transition.

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

2026 Steph Bowe Prize judges Rebecca Lim, Shirley Marr and Nicola Santilli commend Elise Thornthwaite on her persuasive author statement, comprehensive synopsis and compelling manuscript that uses a fresh voice to highlight an important but often-overlooked experience for Australian teens.

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

As the winner of the 2026 Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers, Elise Thornthwaite will receive $1000 in prize money, a 20-hour mentorship with award-winning #LoveOzYA author Helena Fox to develop her manuscript, and a professional development package worth $300. www.stephboweprize.com

stephboweprize.com

The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

The winner of The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers will be announced on 1 June 🌟 www.stephboweprize.com

stephboweprize.com

The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Sarah Hunter says, ‘My experience of eco-anxiety has been a key motivator behind my novel. Winning The Steph Bowe Prize and being mentored by an author [like Helena Fox] who has an understanding of mental health and climate change issues for #LoveOzYA readers would be extremely beneficial.’

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Sarah Hunter says, ‘I am interested in the intersection of literature, mental health, and human and nonhuman rights, and writing characters that resonate with young people. This is particularly important in the face of climate change, and for the many young people who feel ignored and powerless.’

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Sarah says, ‘Winning The Steph Bowe Prize would be an incredible opportunity to broaden my writing experience, receive professional feedback, & better understand what publishers are looking for.The connections gained would also be helpful as publishing is challenging to navigate as a young person.’

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Sarah also has a Master of Counselling, which focuses on eco-anxiety. She uses her writing to examine life in the Anthropocene, particularly as a young person. ‘Beyond the Wire Fence’ is a #LoveOzYA sci-fi about two siblings fighting to survive in a near-future world ravaged by climate change.

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Congratulations Sarah Hunter, shortlisted for the 2026 Steph Bowe Prize! 🎉 Sarah (she/her) is an emerging writer from Meanjin/Brisbane. She has a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Writing, and Screen and Media Studies, and a Graduate Certificate in Arts majoring in Peace Studies.

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

Elise Thornthwaite says, ‘Winning this Prize would affirm that stories rooted in Aboriginal experience belong on bookshelves, and young readers deserve narratives that reflect the complexity of their own lives.’ The winner of The Steph Bowe Prize will be announced 1 June 🌟 www.stephboweprize.com

stephboweprize.com

The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

Elise Thornthwaite says, ‘With “The Summer I Stayed” I aim to contribute to a more inclusive and representative #LoveOzYA landscape by offering a narrative that speaks to those navigating loyalty, responsibility, and self determination in subtle but powerful ways.’

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

Elise says, ‘This Prize would offer space, encouragement and practical resources that would allow me to prioritise writing as a career. And as an Aboriginal writer, I am conscious of the gaps that exist in #LoveOzYA, especially for stories that centre quiet resilience and regional experience.’

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

Elise says, ‘Winning would be deeply significant. As a new mother, sustaining a long-form writing practice requires both time and affirmation. Creative work often competes with caregiving and financial responsibilities, and opportunities for professional development can be difficult to access.’

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

Elise’s shortlisted #LoveOzYA manuscript ‘The Summer I Stayed’ is set in a regional Australian town similar to one she grew up in and follows a young woman navigating the transition into adulthood while remaining in her hometown.

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

Congratulations Elise Thornthwaite, shortlisted for the 2026 Steph Bowe Prize! Elise is an Aboriginal writer and educator from regional NSW who currently lives and works in the Northern Territory, where her work informs her interest in stories about place, responsibility and transition. #LoveOzYA

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

Alana Rae says: ‘If I were to win The Steph Bowe Prize it would propel my writing exactly where I always hoped it would go – appreciated by young people who see themselves in this text.’ The winner of The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers will be announced on 1 June 2026 🌟 www.stephboweprize.com

stephboweprize.com

The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

Alana: ‘I believe so deeply in my novel. I have been creating it on and off since I was 10 when my Year 6 teacher encouraged me to pursue writing. I think having written this novel about intense and emotional human connection over the span of my teenagehood and early 20s gives it an authentic feel.’

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Alana’s story ‘Phoebe in the Forest with Carmen’ follows 2 runaway teen girls and explores the intensity of their friendship. Comparable to John Green’s ‘Paper Towns’ and Josie Shapiro’s ‘Everything is Beautiful and Everything Hurts’, its youthful naivety mixes with the strange beauty found in grief

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Congratulations to Alana Rae, who is shortlisted for the 2026 Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers 🎉 A journalist and speech pathology student from Aotearoa New Zealand, Alana now lives in Naarm Melbourne. She has written for magazines covering topics ranging from vaginismus to the VMAs. #LoveOzYA

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

‘The Summer I Stayed’ is about an 18-year-old girl navigating the space between finishing school and starting adulthood. Elise Thornthwaite (she/her) is an Aboriginal writer and educator from regional NSW, who works in early childhood education and family programs in remote communities in the NT.

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

‘Phoebe in the Forest with Carmen’ follows two runaway teen girls and explores the emotional intensity of their friendship. Alana Rae (she/her) is a journalist and speech pathology student originally from Aotearoa New Zealand, now living in Naarm/Melbourne.

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

‘Beyond the Wire Fence’ is a #LoveOzYA sci-fi about two siblings fighting to survive in a near-future world ravaged by climate change. Sarah Hunter (she/her) is an emerging writer from Meanjin/Brisbane interested in the intersection of literature, mental health and human rights.

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Announcing the shortlist for The 2026 Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers 🎉 Congratulations to Sarah Hunter, Alana Rae and Elise Thornthwaite! They each receive a professional development package worth $300. The winner will be announced on 15 May 2026 🌟 www.stephboweprize.com #LoveOzYA

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Reposted by The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers

The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 14/03/2026

The Steph Bowe Prize closes *tomorrow*, Sunday 15 March 2026. Entries will be accepted until 11.59pm AEST. The winner will receive $1000, a 20-hour mentorship with an award-winning #LoveOzYA author, and a professional development package worth $300. Submit at www.stephboweprize.com

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 14/03/2026

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

Entries to The Steph Bowe Prize can now be submitted until 15 March 2026. The winner will receive $1000, a 20-hour mentorship with an award-winning #LoveOzYA author to develop their manuscript, and a professional development package worth $300. Visit www.stephboweprize.com to enter!

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 01/03/2026

The deadline for entries to The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers has been extended to 15 March 2026. The winner will receive $1000, a 20-hour mentorship with an award-winning #LoveOzYA author to develop their manuscript, and a professional development package worth $300. www.stephboweprize.com

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 22/02/2026

One week left to enter The Steph Bowe Prize! The winner will receive $1000 in prize money, a 20-hour mentorship with an award-winning #LoveOzYA author to develop their manuscript, and a professional development package worth $300. The Prize closes 28 February 2026. www.stephboweprize.com

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 16/02/2026

For the chance to win $1000, a 20-hour mentorship with an award-winning #LoveOzYA author, and a professional development package worth $300, enter The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers! The Prize closes 28 February 2026. www.stephboweprize.com

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Reposted by The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers

The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

Are you an Australian YA writer under 25? Enter The Steph Bowe Prize for the chance to win $1000, a 20-hour mentorship with an award-winning #LoveOzYA author to develop your manuscript, and a professional development package worth $300! Entries close 28 February. www.stephboweprize.com

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 01/02/2026

The Steph Bowe Prize is now open! Unpublished Australian YA writers aged 18 to 25 can now enter for the chance to win $1000, a 20-hour mentorship with award-winning YA author Helena Fox and a professional development package worth $300. Enter at www.stephboweprize.com The Prize close 28 February.

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

The winner of the 2026 Steph Bowe Prize will receive $1000, a 20-hour mentorship with award-winning #LoveOzYA author Helena Fox to develop their YA manuscript, and a professional development package worth $300. Visit www.stephboweprize.com for more information or click the link in the bio.

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

🌟 DID YOU KNOW? 🌟 The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers will be judged on a completed #LoveOzYA manuscript, a 1-page synopsis and a 500-word statement about how winning the Prize will further the entrant’s career. The Prize opens this Sunday, 1 February 2026. www.stephboweprize.com

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 25/01/2026

Rebecca Lim is a judge for the 2026 Steph Bowe Prize. She’s the author of books including the CBCA award-winning ‘Tiger Daughter’ and #LoveOzYA novels ‘The Astrologer’s Daughter’ and ‘Mercy’. She is also co-editor of ‘Meet Me at the Intersection’, an #OwnVoices YA anthology. www.stephboweprize.com

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 21/01/2026

Shirley Marr is a judge for the 2026 Steph Bowe Prize. She is a first-generation Chinese-Australian living in Perth and the author of many books including the CBCA award-winning ‘A Glasshouse of Stars’ and #LoveOzYA novels ‘Fury’ and ‘Preloved’. The Prize opens 1 February. www.stephboweprize.com

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 17/01/2026

Helena Fox is an Australian author, poet and writing mentor. Her debut ‘How It Feels to Float’ won a Prime Minister’s Literary Award and a Victorian Premier’s Literary Award. Her second novel ‘The Quiet and the Loud’ won a NSW Premier’s Literary Award. The Prize opens 1 Feb. www.stephboweprize.com

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 17/01/2026

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

Sadly, Steph Bowe passed away in 2020 from Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. She was 25. The manuscript of her posthumous YA novel, ‘Sunny at the End of the World’, was discovered on her computer by her family and published in 2025. The Steph Bowe Prize was created in her honour. www.stephboweprize.com

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

‘All This Could End’ was longlisted for the Gold Inky Awards and ‘Night Swimming’ was a CBCA Notable Book and longlisted for a Davitt Award. Steph was a Schools Ambassador for The Stella Prize and awarded the May Gibbs Children’s Literature Trust Fellowship. www.stephboweprize.com

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

The Steph Bowe Prize was established in memory of beloved #LoveOzYA author Steph Bowe and honours her passion for fostering young emerging writers. Her debut novel, ‘Girl Saves Boy’, was published when she was 16. It was described by Rebecca Stead as ‘full of the absolute truth—life is complicated’.

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

The shortlist of The Steph Bowe Prize will receive the professional development package, which features a 1-hour Publishing Masterclass with industry professionals (including an editor and agent). The Prize opens 1 February 2026 and closes at the end of February. www.stephboweprize.com

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

The winner of The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers will receive $1000, a 20-hour mentorship with an award-winning YA author to develop their manuscript, and a professional development package worth $300. The Prize opens 1 February 2026. www.stephboweprize.com

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

The Steph Bowe Prize is back! 👏 Established in memory of beloved YA author Steph Bowe, the Prize is designed to encourage and support an unpublished Australian YA writer aged 18 to 25. Entrants must submit a YA manuscript, synopsis and an author statement for judging. www.stephboweprize.com

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The Steph Bowe Prize for Young Writers @stephboweprize.bsky.social · 29/12/2025

Elizabeth Bourke: “I'm currently obsessed with Emma Clancey's ‘This Dream Will Devour Us’. I love a story full of glamour and dangerous aristocracy. And I can't wait to sink my teeth into Sophie Gonzales's ‘Nobody in Particular’. A high school YA romance with bisexual representation? Sign me up!”

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