An interview with 2020 Barbara Jefferis Award shortlistee Tara June Winch

8.11.20

Tara June Winch on The Yield, shortlisted for the 2020 Barbara Jefferis Award.

How did you start writing?

I began writing as a way to understand myself in the world, it was an instinctual act and manifested in the form of naive poems and long letters written home. I wrote my first piece of prose at 19, and that short story became the first chapter in my debut novel. In actuality then, I began writing, at the very beginning of being a writer.

What inspired you to write The Yield?

I was inspired by language first. I wanted to tell a big story in a simple way, in a beautiful way.

In what ways do you think August Gondiwindi might be an empowering figure for women and young girls?

I think August overcomes herself by her own will, but firmly by the strength and resilience of her family and ancestors.

What was the most challenging thing about writing this book?

I think writing August was the most challenging, because she changes in the course of the novel, and I began to change with her, it was very personal.

Which Australian authors have been influential on your writing?

Ruby Langford Ginibi, Alexis Wright, Melissa Lucashenko, Anita Heiss, Tony Birch, Richard Flanagan and musicians that are storytellers too, like Kev Carmody, Archie Roach and Paul Kelly.