David Whish Wilson

Professional Summary: Professor David Whish-Wilson

Professor David Whish-Wilson is a distinguished academic and author affiliated with Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia. With a robust background in creative writing and literature, he has made significant contributions to both academic research and the broader literary community through his scholarly work and creative output.

Academic Background and Degrees

David Whish-Wilson holds advanced qualifications in creative writing and literature. While specific details of his degrees are not widely publicized in accessible sources, his academic career and publications reflect a deep expertise in these fields, consistent with doctoral-level training or equivalent professional experience.

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Whish-Wilson’s research interests center on creative writing, Australian literature, crime fiction, and the cultural history of Western Australia. His work often explores themes of place, identity, and social issues, with a particular focus on marginalized voices and historical narratives.

Career History and Appointments

• Associate Professor in the School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry at Curtin University, where he teaches creative writing and literature.
• Coordinator of the Creative Writing program at Curtin University, mentoring emerging writers and fostering literary talent.

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

David Whish-Wilson has received notable recognition for his literary and academic contributions, particularly in the genre of crime fiction and historical writing. Some of his key accolades include:

• Winner of the Western Australian Premier’s Book Award for Fiction for his novel Old Scores (2016).
• Shortlisted for multiple awards, including the Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Fiction, for several of his works.

Key Publications

Professor Whish-Wilson is a prolific author with a substantial body of work spanning novels, non-fiction, and academic contributions. Below is a selection of his notable publications:

• Novels:
  • The Summons (2006)
  • Line of Sight (2010)
  • Zero at the Bone (2013)
  • Old Scores (2016)
  • Shore Leave (2020)
• Non-Fiction:
  • Perth (2013), a cultural and historical exploration of the city as part of the NewSouth Books city series.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

David Whish-Wilson has had a significant impact on the field of creative writing and Australian literature, particularly through his focus on crime fiction as a lens for examining social and historical issues. His work at Curtin University has influenced a new generation of writers, and his publications have contributed to the visibility of Western Australian narratives in national and international literary circles. His engagement with themes of corruption, justice, and place has enriched the discourse in contemporary Australian fiction.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Whish-Wilson is an active participant in literary and academic communities. While specific details of committee roles or editorial contributions are not extensively documented in public sources, he is known to have delivered public lectures and participated in literary festivals, such as the Perth Writers Festival, where he discusses his work and the craft of writing. He also contributes to the development of creative writing pedagogy through his teaching and program coordination at Curtin University.