Julia James Burns

Hi there, and thanks for checking out my website!

I write contemporary adult fiction that is influenced by Australian Gothic themes and, in my recent novel, inspired by my experience of living on Rottnest Island for thirteen years.

My short stories have won or been shortlisted in a number of prizes including shortlisting in The Hope Prize in 2024. In early 2026 I completed my first novel, set on Wadjemup Rottnest Island, off the coast of Western Australia but a thousand miles from anywhere - the perfect setting for an Australian Gothic creative non-fiction story.

And there’s a hint of of magical realism because its impossible to live on that island without experiencing its beauty and its darkness.

I was born in Perth and graduated from the University of Western Australia with a BA and MBA and worked in the UK, Italy and Asia in international trade, business, the arts and education.

I live in North Fremantle with my husband and two sons but we often spend part of every year with our extended family in northern Tuscany.

Oh - one last thing - I am very proud to be a Committee Member of the Perth Festival of Fiction and a cheerleader for my Australian writing community.