olivia de zilva
olivia de zilva (she/her) is an award-winning writer and communications professional based in kaurna land. her writing has appeared in The Guardian, SBS, Mascara Literary Review, Australian Poetry Journal, Australian Poetry Anthology, Cordite, Westerly, Liminal and many others. she is the current editor-in-chief for Jacaranda, the university of queensland’s literary journal.
awards and recognition:
2023
Richell Prize for Emerging Writers – shortlisted
20/40 Prize for Novella Writing – shortlisted
2022
Deborah Cass Prize – shortlisted
University of Queensland Press Mentorship Prize for memoir – ‘When I was Your Dog’ – shortlisted
University of Queensland – Research Scholarship and Living stipend for Higher Research Degree in Philosophy (2022-24)
2019
Deakin University Non-Fiction Prize in partnership with Express Media for memoir ‘Let’s Eat食飯!‘ – won
2018
The John Harvey Finlayson Award for the best piece of Creative Writing in an Undergraduate Creative Writing course – won
testimonials
“Let’s Eat食飯! is marked by an original voice that’s funny, touching and charming. Drawing together elements of Chinese, Hong Kong and Australian culture, the result is a compelling and wildly entertaining family story. I can’t wait to see what Olivia writes next.” – julia carlomango, monash university press
‘Written in a fresh, engaging and open manner this creative non-fiction immediately captures the judges’ attention and plunged them into the energies of an extended Chinese family making a life for themselves in Adelaide. The violence committed upon the young protagonist is heartbreakingly senseless, and the long-lasting effects of direct racism are relayed without self-pity or excuse. Paradoxically, in losing her voice once, the writer has found and honoured it in this vivid expression of self.’ – richell prize shortlist announcement for ‘when i was your dog’
oliviadezilva.com 