Writing WA is devastated to learn of the tragic loss of award-winning Australian author Brenda Walker, aged 67, who was killed in a car accident on Kings Park Road in Perth on Tuesday morning.

Brenda was a beloved writer whose profound and beautifully crafted works, including Reading By Moonlight, The Wing of the Night, and Poe’s Cat, touched countless readers and earned her critical and popular acclaim.

Writing WA CEO shared, ‘Brenda Walker’s loss will be keenly felt not just by her family and friends but by the Australian literary community. Her novels, stories and the memoir Reading by Moonlight: How Books Saved a Life garnered significant popular and critical acclaim; but her sublime writing was matched by her gifts as a mentor. I recall with fondness the sporadic but intense and wide-ranging discussions we enjoyed over the years, especially during my time as Literary Editor at The West Australian. Another light in the literary firmament has just been extinguished and our ways are now less certain. Rest in peace, Brenda.’

Our hearts are with Brenda’s family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know her. We extend our deepest condolences during this time of immense loss.