James McKenzie Watson is an Australian author whose fiction explores themes of health and rural life. His debut novel, "Denizen," won the 2021 Penguin Literary Prize and was later shortlisted for the 2023 Ned Kelly Award for Best Debut. The novel also earned him residential fellowships from Varuna and KSP in 2021. Beyond his novel, Watson has contributed essays and articles to prominent publications such as The Guardian, Meanjin, Kill Your Darlings, and the Newtown Review of Books.
Watson's literary career extends beyond writing, as he has appeared at major Australian literary festivals, including the Sydney Writers Festival and Newcastle Writers Festival, and has taught creative writing through organizations like Writing NSW. He co-hosts the podcast "James and Ashley Stay at Home," which discusses writing and health. Balancing his literary pursuits with a career in nursing, Watson brings a unique perspective to his work, blending professional healthcare insights with his narrative craft.