Glen Innes author Joanne Austen Brown has ended the year on a high, receiving international recognition for her latest novel The War Rings.
Joanne was awarded a Bronze Award in the War Stories category of the Global Book Awards, a United States–based program with a growing global profile. The Global Book Awards celebrate excellence in both traditionally published and self-published books, recognising outstanding storytelling, originality, and quality across a wide range of genres. Each year, authors from around the world are judged by industry professionals, making the awards a respected benchmark for emerging and established writers alike.
The War Rings was launched at Glen Innes Library in 2025 and has since attracted a steadily growing readership, with readers praising its compelling narrative and emotional depth.
A delighted Joanne described the award as “a dream come true”.
“To have my work recognised on an international stage is incredibly humbling,” she said. “I hope many people have the opportunity to read it.”
The recognition not only highlights Joanne’s achievement but also shines a spotlight on the creative talent within the Glen Innes community, reinforcing the region’s growing reputation as a home for accomplished local writers.
