2022 Writing Award Finalists

Page Turner Awards is delighted to announce our 2022 Writing Award Finalists, shown in random order!

Please join us in congratulating these rising stars by leaving them a comment at the bottom of their finalist submission. Click 'see more' to read their submission. And you can also congratulate the finalists in our forum.

Find entrants by adding a first name or surname into the search box below, don't search with both first name and surname.

Get Notified For 2023 Awards

Pete Waterhouse for "Crying From One Eye"
Genre: Crime

I am a freelance copy-editor and proof-reader and it feels as though I have been writing stories to entertain friends and family all my life. When a short story I was writing grew in unexpected ways and ended up at almost 90,000 words, I figured it was time to take things seriously. I signed up for

Jodie Smith for "Jubilee Bells"
Genre: Drama

Award-winning author and Mobile Literary Festival founder Jodie Cain Smith spent her childhood exploring the shores of Mobile Bay. She is a graduate of the University of South Alabama and Northern Michigan University because earning a degree on both the southern and northern border happened by

Len Joy for "Freedom's Just Another Word..."
Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Len Joy’s 4th novel, DRY HEAT was published by BQB Publishing in April 2022. New York Times bestselling author Nickolas Butler described it as “…a page-turner with heart. A tale of star-cross lovers and best-laid plans run amok, this smoothly novel is full of friendship, family, and redemption.” It

Clemency Marlowe Marlowe for "Harvest of Rue"
Genre: Historical Fiction

My novel "Harvest of Rue' was born following the discovery that my mother had been adopted but never knew she was. When I attempted to discover her records I was astonished to find there were none. She had been born before the legislation that required them. What followed was more revelation about

Ivy Bazley for "Born Of Fire "
Genre: Fantasy

I was born in Africa, but now reside in Perth, Western Australia. I have never been North of the Equator, but that is on my bucket list. After a fall at work where I dislocated my elbow, I started writing a fantasy about an accidental dragon and the man who loves her. I'm having fun writing it

Kathleen Hannon for "The Confession of Hemingway Jones"
Genre: Young Adult

A former Hollywood development executive, working on such films such as "U-571" and "Terminator 3," Kathleen Hannon rotated her North Carolina desk from west-facing to east when the recession hit and wrote her first middle grade novel for her daughters. "Bye for Now: A Wisher's Story" was published

David W. Berner for "The Islander"
Genre: Contemporary Fiction

David W. Berner is a best-selling and award-winning author of several books of memoir and fiction. He has been honored as the Writer-in-Residence at the Jack Kerouac Project in Orlando and at the Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Home in Oak Park, Illinois. His books have been recognized by the Society of

Andrea Torrey … BALSARA for "Penelope Florence Has a Brave Day"
Genre: Childrens Picture Books

Andrea Torrey Balsara is an award-winning children's and young adult author/illustrator and motivational speaker. Her passion is to empower children to think for themselves, to learn about the power and beauty of our diverse human family, and to walk the "Hero's Journey" in real life. Having

Andrea Torrey … BALSARA for "The Diaper Revolution"
Genre: Childrens Picture Books

Andrea Torrey Balsara is an award-winning children's and young adult author/illustrator and motivational speaker. Her passion is to empower children to think for themselves, to learn about the power and beauty of our diverse human family, and to walk the "Hero's Journey" in real life. Having

Jane Bond for "Flick-Flack"
Genre: Fantasy

In my life I've worked in factories, behind several bars and once ran a livery stable. I spent fifteen years as a software engineer in England, Ireland and Scotland – sorry Wales. In 2007 we moved to France. Now I make jam and sell it on the local markets, which is far less lucrative, but far more

Laura Beeby for "Veronica Perfect"
Genre: Women's Fiction

I'm a Canadian-Dutch writer temporarily living in Canada as a caregiver for my elderly father, but my permanent home is in Rotterdam with my Dutch musician husband whom I met in a music forum for fans of the Hollies. My background is in advertising copywriting and, along with my English and History

Robert Parkhouse for " One Year, Two Months, Three Weeks and Four Days"
Genre: Suspense & Thriller

After gaining a Creative Writing (Novel) M.A. from Middlesex University in 2017, I completed my first novel manuscript in 2020. During 2022, I completed the Writing a Novel course from Faber Academy. I am currently working on my second novel. Previously, I have had over fifty articles and short

Sandy Verma for "Eyes That Gave Up Their Search"
Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Sandy Kundra Verma has an Mst in Creative Writing from Cambridge University. Her first novel ‘Burnt Toast’ was published in 2012 and her short fiction has been published in The Barren Magazine, The Bangalore Review and has won The Michael Holroyd Prize. This manuscript has won the Darling Axe First

Leonard Williams for "The Valley of Vengeance"
Genre: Historical Fiction

Born and raised in County Durham. Growing up with a vivid imagination has gained me access to the creative sector, as I work extensively in the entertainment industry following professional training at the prestigious Bristol Old Vic Theatre School (I'm not an actor, if that's what you're thinking?)

Darianne Perez for "Luminary Odyssey: The Children of Stardust"
Genre: Fantasy

A recent graduate of Georgia Southern University with a degree in Writing & Linguistics and a minor in Art History. Currently pursuing an MFA in Dramatic Writing at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Freelance writer and editor, and lover of all things nerdy!

Adam Wright for "Haunted is a Strong Word"
Genre: Comedy & Humour

I am a creative soul, the first in my family to get to go to University where I studied film. Unfortunately, I was never able to break into the entertainment industry, but still have a passion for storytelling and look for opportunities to express creativity. I was in the short list last for last

Mandy Munro for "The Circle of Choice"
Genre: Young Adult

Mandy Munro has a degree in English Literature and Psychology, lives in the northern beaches of Sydney and has travelled extensively, gathering inspiration and research for her writing. In 2022, Mandy longlisted for the Page Turner 2022 Writing Award with The Circle of Choice, the first book in her

Abbie Eaton for "EYES OF SILVER"
Genre: Fantasy

I am a 23 year old English writer living in Staffordshire, UK. I enjoy spending time with my horses and both reading and writing fantasy. After becoming lost in the worlds of my favourite books such as Sarah J Maas' A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Jennifer L Armentrout's From Blood And Ash, i

Benjamin Gareh for "Bad Things Will Happen"
Genre: Contemporary Fiction

I am a forty something, multicultural writer from London who believes in creating stories about characters that are able to break free from the pressures of tradition, religion, class and sexual stereotyping in order to discover who they truly are. I have two teenage children and two wonderful

Masha Shukovich for "THE TASTE OF NAMES"
Genre: Women's Fiction

Masha Shukovich (she/they) is a writer, poet, storyteller, folklorist, teacher, independent scholar, and intuitive chef with ancestry and indigenous roots in the Balkans; the Mediterranean; and West, Central, and Northeast Asia (Siberia). She is a mother, demigirl, neurodivergent person, practical

Emerson Ford for "The Things We Bury"
Genre: Historical Fiction

When Emerson isn't writing historical fiction, she's teaching English literature and creative writing to fabulous students who motivate her to bring her best to every class. Her current story won the ACFW's First Impressions contest and is a finalist in both the Genesis contest and the Page Turner

Pamela Belle for "A Parcel of Rogues"
Genre: Historical Fiction

I'm a proud native of Suffolk, but now live in Wiltshire, divorced with two adult sons, in a small house with a garden I've made from scratch, and two loving, beautiful, mischievous and entertaining Burmese kittens. I've been writing since I was a small child, and began my first published book at

Leigh H. Bailey for "A Child's Eye"
Genre: Drama

I was born in North Carolina, grew up in Virginia, and returned briefly to North Carolina to complete my bachelor’s degree in business. I’ve spent my professional life, to date, in sales and marketing positions, and as an entrepreneur. Along the way, I discovered my passion for people is only

Nick Black for "The Honourable Doctor"
Genre: Historical Fiction

I am professor of health services research at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine where I have spent the last 35 years studying and teaching about health care policy, evaluation of services and how to improve them. I have extensive experience of writing non-fiction - research papers

Jocelyn Watson for "SHAZIA & CO"
Genre: Women's Fiction

SHORT BIOGRAPHY OF JOCELYN WATSON I was born and grew up in Hong Kong. I have a mixed racial heritage: my mother is Indian and my father English. The Asian Women’s Writers Collective was my first writing home. I am feminist of colour, an activist, a lesbian and a socialist. My first degree was in

Sherri Matthews for "Stranger In A White Dress"
Genre: Memoir

I grew up in my native England but in another life and for twenty years, I lived in California where I raised my three children. I began writing my first book, a memoir, in 2013 at the same time I started my blog. As time went on I prioritised my book, life's challenges adding years to the work of

Lois Kennis for "Rise on Eagle's Wings"
Genre: Christian

Lois Kennis is a tenacious writer and avid reader who "writes to stir hearts" with a gleam of hope. Kennis is a 2022 Genesis Contest Semifinalist in American Christian Fiction Writers. In 2021, she was a Writing Award Finalist in the Page Turner Awards. Kennis won the American Christian Fiction

Liz Hobson for "Russian Reckoning"
Genre: Women's Fiction

Born in London, Liz grew up in the English Lakes and now lives in Noosa, Australia. Her left-brained analytical ability as a teenager allowed her to successfully gain an Oxford Biochemistry degree but hindered her mid-life ambition of becoming an author - something she is attempting to rectify with

David Turner for "Spacewalker"
Genre: Sci-Fi

David Turner is an engineer with an eye toward the future. He spent ten years working on NASA’s mission critical software, including the Artemis missions that will send humans back to the moon. He enjoys home improvement projects, bartending for his friends, and hiking—especially in national parks

Donna Conrad Conrad for "The Last Magdalene"
Genre: Historical Fiction

Donna Conrad is an award-winning author, journalist, activist, and teacher whose core values revolve around individual empowerment. Her first published work, House of the Moon: Surviving the Sixties, has received critical acclaim. Upcoming books include historical novels about the lives and

frances gaudiano for "PUPPY BREATH"
Genre: Contemporary Fiction

My first published book was about veterinary dermatology, a rather dry text with some disgusting photographs. However, it made my name as a veterinary nurse and helped a few people understand the topic. In 2021, Veneficia Publications published my novel, The Listener, a historical romance with some

Susea Spray for "A Big Blue Boat and the Mighty Storm"
Genre: Childrens Picture Books

As a child, Susea was always engrossed in a book. It really wasn’t surprising when she chose lower primary for her career. A retired classroom teacher who majored in English and Children's Literature, Susea spent 23 years making literacy learning fun for her young students. Her favourite time of day

Susea Spray for "A Big Blue Boat Is Out On The Brine"
Genre: Childrens Picture Books

As a child, Susea was always engrossed in a book. It really wasn’t surprising when she chose lower primary for her career. A retired classroom teacher who majored in English and Children's Literature, Susea spent 23 years making literacy learning fun for her young students. Her favourite time of day

Jeremy Bending for "If You Don't Know . . ."
Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Jeremy Bending spent his life as a hospital doctor and consultant physician. During that time he continued to write fiction and short stories, some of which were brought together in his book 'A Listening Doctor', published by Quartet Books London in 2018. After hanging up his stethoscope, he

Alexi Arlidge for "Peddler of Dreams "
Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Corporate turned creative. Swapping life in a FTSE for freedom, I now enjoy more creative days as an aspiring writer and a business and marketing consultant. My novels, written with screenplay adaptation in mind, draw on the reality of today - the highs and lows, twists and turns of modern life and

Andrew Phillips for "THE TRUTH ABOUT STARFISH"
Genre: Childrens Middle Grade Books

Andrew Phillips for "SHOES," "WHISPERS," RIMBOMBO," AND "HOPE OF GLIMMER" I am currently retired from the public education system in North Carolina. My career spans nearly thirty years of teaching early childhood classes, working as a Home/School Coordinator, Arts Coordinator and elementary

Andrew Phillips for "RIMBOMBO - THE LEGEND OF BOOM TIDDLE"
Genre: Childrens Middle Grade Books

Andrew Phillips for "SHOES," "WHISPERS," RIMBOMBO," AND "HOPE OF GLIMMER" I am currently retired from the public education system in North Carolina. My career spans nearly thirty years of teaching early childhood classes, working as a Home/School Coordinator, Arts Coordinator and elementary

Andrew Phillips for "SANTA CLOTHES"
Genre: Childrens Picture Books

Andrew Phillips for "SHOES," "WHISPERS," RIMBOMBO," AND "HOPE OF GLIMMER" I am currently retired from the public education system in North Carolina. My career spans nearly thirty years of teaching early childhood classes, working as a Home/School Coordinator, Arts Coordinator and elementary

Andrew Phillips for "SHOES"
Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Andrew Phillips for "SHOES," "WHISPERS," RIMBOMBO," AND "HOPE OF GLIMMER" I am currently retired from the public education system in North Carolina. My career spans nearly thirty years of teaching early childhood classes, working as a Home/School Coordinator, Arts Coordinator and elementary

Mikey Jackson for "Shards of Glass"
Genre: Suspense & Thriller

Mikey Jackson is a versatile scriptwriter and novelist from the seaside town of Worthing, near Brighton, United Kingdom. His debut play Cruel was performed at Etcetera Theatre, Camden Town, London. His TV drama spec script Seven Magpies earned him a place as a finalist in the Amazon Studios and

John Nassari for "The Dream Traveller"
Genre: Fantasy

John Nassari is an award-winning portrait and wedding photographer with notable exhibitions at the National Portrait Gallery and a shortlist for the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize. He also holds a PhD in Refugee Studies, focusing on personal and family narratives. With a lifelong passion

Annie R McEwen for "THE CORSET GIRL"
Genre: Romance

Annie R McEwen is a career historian. She’s lived in six countries, under every roof from a canvas tent to a Georgian Era manor house, and driven herself to work in everything from a vintage Peugeot to a donkey cart. It's perfectly natural for her to create stories of desperate love and powerful

P.J. Murphy for "Troubleshot - A horror story of local politics"
Genre: Comedy & Humour

Born in the UK and currently living in Switzerland, Paul has written four novels, two of which have been published. The other two will probably never again see the light of day, although they have good titles. As a writer, Paul tries to stick to the adage ‘write what you know’, although with the

Reid Linney for "Pyrate Crossover"
Genre: Historical Fiction

Author. Silicon Valley Executive-at-Large. Private Investor. Constant Learner. 2021 Page Turner Awards Multiple Finalist; 2022 Page Turner Awards Finalist (Longlisted) I’ve always had a passion for taking a blank page and creating something interesting but publishing novels came late for me. Perhaps

WILLIAM KAUFMANN for "The Change"
Genre: Sci-Fi

After studying ceramics in Japan for two and a half years, I returned to the Midwest and launched Linden Hills Pottery with my wife, Cynthia Mosedale. Over the last 30 years, we have received multiple honors selling our ceramic art at shows throughout the country. The greatest honor was making a

Sophie Neville for "The Man Who Got Out Of Japan"
Genre: Historical Fiction

After gaining a degree in Anthropology, Sophie went into television production directing her first documentary for Channel 4 when driving from London to Johannesburg. Having produced an INSET series for BBC Education, she set up wildlife films in Botswana and a BLUE PETER exploration of South Africa

JAY JONES for "Lethal Justice"
Genre: Crime

Page Turner 2022 Genre Award winner for her recently published debut novel, I, SAID THE FLY (award under its working title: The Assassin Who Loved Me), Jay Jones is currently working on book 2 in The D.I. and The Assassin series. Originally from India, Jay and her husband now live in Worcestershire

JAY JONES for "The Assassin Who Loved Me"
Genre: Crime

Page Turner 2022 Genre Award winner for her recently published debut novel, I, SAID THE FLY (award under its working title: The Assassin Who Loved Me), Jay Jones is currently working on book 2 in The D.I. and The Assassin series. Originally from India, Jay and her husband now live in Worcestershire

Jill Whitehouse for "Push Me, Pull You"
Genre: Suspense & Thriller

I’m a lawyer who started writing about seven years ago. I'm currently working on Seven Sins, a locked room murder mystery set in a City law firm, inspired by my time as a corporate finance partner in two such firms. My elevator pitch is: Seven suspects. Seven sins. Which one is deadly? My previous

Erin Swann for "Awakener"
Genre: Fantasy

Erin L. Swann is an avid home cook and works as an art teacher in Central Maryland. Her work appears in numerous anthologies and publications including Factor Four Magazine, Aurealis Magazine, and Andromeda Spaceways Magazine. She has won three honorable mentions from L. R. Hubbard’s Writers of the