Writers Victoria congratulates the winner of the 2012 Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for an Unpublished Manuscript. Graeme Simsion took the gong for his manuscript THE ROSIE PROJECT.

Graeme was announced as the winner of the prize at the launch of The Emerging Writer as part of the Emerging Writers’ Festival on 1 June. He receives a cash award of $15,000 as well as $1,000 worth of professional development support from Writers Victoria.

THE ROSIE PROJECT

Don Tillman is a 40-year-old geneticist with undiagnosed Aspergers. When he wants to find a partner, he approaches the project the only way he knows – systematically. He creates a questionnaire designed to find the perfect woman – a punctual, non-drinking, non-smoking female who will fit in with his regimented lifestyle. When Rosie appears on the scene, she fits none of Don’s criteria – but she does turn his life upside down. Graeme Simsion’s moving and comic novel, sustained by a remarkable narrative voice, and illuminated by dramatic and hilarious scenes, takes the reader on an immensely satisfying journey as Don seeks to find out if he is capable of real love.

The judging panel comprised of Nick Gadd, the award’s 2007 winner; Peter Mews, owner of the Brunswick Street Bookstore; Zoe Dattner, General Manager of SPUNC; and Roderick Poole, Director of Writers Victoria.

Congratulations are also due to all shortlisted writers, but particularly to longtime Writers Victoria members Stephen Samuel and Clive Wansborough.

via Winner of Victorian Premier’s Award for an Unpublished Manuscript announced! · Writers Victoria.