2024 Writing Award Finalists

I'm an illustrator and designer with 20 years of working in the creative industry and developing creativity in myself and others, and I adore children's books - for their humour, colour, energy and escapism. Yes, at 40 years old my treat is to buy them for myself. Despite evidence to the contrary (a

A Massachusetts native, Abby Sandman was on skis before she could walk, and this early tendency towards adventure has carried her from the canyons of Peru to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. She is an associate editor for Indagare Travel, where she writes for the company’s tri-annual magazine and

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

I am a writer and tutor of creative writing for universities in the UK, and an older mum to a wonderful boy, age 12. We live in Portugal, way up in the mountains, and we have two ponies and a dog. Inspired by my son and our travels in our campervan, I am writing a series about a magic campervan

Hi, I’m Phil, a former radio and TV reporter/producer in the UK, writing as PN Johnson. My novels, Killer in the Crowd and Run to the Blue are published by Burning Chair, London. Both have been Shortlisted Finalists in these awards. I am just completing a sequel to Run to the Blue as well as a

Originally from South West England – I am now settled (with my wonderful dog Millie) on the edge of the beautiful Lake District National Park. My writing, like my life, reflects some deep inner shifts – and I find great inspiration from being near the mountains, walking in the woods, or breathing in

Originally from South West England – I am now settled (with my wonderful dog Millie) on the edge of the beautiful Lake District National Park. My writing, like my life, reflects some deep inner shifts – and I find great inspiration from being near the mountains, walking in the woods, or breathing in

Brian Finney has won awards for his biography of Christopher Isherwood and for his debut suspense novel, Money Matters. His writings have appeared in The Los Angeles Review of Books, The New York Times Book Review, The Los Angeles Times, The LA Weekly, The Irish Times, The Chicago Tribune, The San

Jack Chandler is a member of Jericho Writers. In April 2021, her first children's book was published by Carl Ed Schunemann KG in Germany, but her heart belongs to thrillers. She's writing a thriller/psychological thriller series with returning characters, although each book works as a standalone. Ms

I'm a 56 year old violinist and string teacher, the daughter of a german-jewish holocaust refugee. I grew up in St Andrews, Scotland, where my Dad was a history lecturer in the university. Thereafter, I studied and lived in Sheffield until 2000. For the past 23 years I've been a resident of

During my thirty year career in education, I was Head of English and later Headteacher of two schools in the UK, as well as CEO of five international schools in The Hague, the Netherlands. Now, as a “digital nomad” I have travelled extensively in Latin America and have spent a lot of time in Peru

Sara is passionate about representation for teenagers who are impacted by the care and justice systems in fiction. She taught English in Scottish High Schools for 15 years before moving into a Child Protection role. She is dedicated to showing children impacted by neglect, abuse and familial

After a career in communications and as a copywriter and editor in the corporate and science sectors in Australia, I published my first novel 'More Than I Ever Had' an historical fiction based on a true story. Since then, I completed a second manuscript in the women's suspense genre, and am now

My name is Elena Violaris and I was born in Manchester, UK, to Greek Cypriot parents. I received my BA, MPhil and PhD in English Literature from the University of Cambridge, and I'm now a Research Fellow at the University of Oxford. I'm currently researching the experiences of British 'postmigrants'

I'm a trilingual storyteller, international journalist, and fiction novelist with a love of ancient history, astronomy, fantasy, and beautiful words that make you swoon.

Sue Abell, writing as MS Abell and Sabella MaKamish, has been writing since early childhood – short stories, novels and even a play. Her style of writing is organic … rarely does a novel form from an outline. Most often, her novels come from the dreams she has while sleeping. Sue lucid dreams: she

I’m a member of the Florida Writers Association and hold a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Writing from MIT. A graduate of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, I’m a General Surgeon in Jacksonville, Florida. Drafted as the unofficial photographer of my children’s sports teams, I

I'm a trilingual storyteller, international journalist, and fiction novelist with a love of ancient history, astronomy, fantasy, and beautiful words that make you swoon.

Sue Abell, writing as MS Abell and Sabella MaKamish, has been writing since early childhood – short stories, novels and even a play. Her style of writing is organic … rarely does a novel form from an outline. Most often, her novels come from the dreams she has while sleeping. Sue lucid dreams: she

I live in the Philadelphia suburbs with my wife, two young children, and mischievous yellow lab. I am a high school social studies teacher with a background in United States government and a great affection for Revolutionary-era history. I wrote this book because in this age of international

Sue Abell, writing as MS Abell and Sabella MaKamish, has been writing since early childhood – short stories, novels and even a play. Her style of writing is organic … rarely does a novel form from an outline. Most often, her novels come from the dreams she has while sleeping. Sue lucid dreams: she

Hi! I'm Amanda and I live in London, UK. :) Having spent ten years working as a Barrister in Criminal Law, I live and love all things crime! Hence all my books have a strong crime element, based on murder cases I prosecuted and are embedded with twists and conspiracies. As I have teenage children

Sue Abell, writing as MS Abell and Sabella MaKamish, has been writing since early childhood – short stories, novels and even a play. Her style of writing is organic … rarely does a novel form from an outline. Most often, her novels come from the dreams she has while sleeping. Sue lucid dreams: she

Eric Miller is a former hip-hop artist, former political economist, former medical professional, and a current father of three. His two previous novels, a middle-grade fantasy, and a YA superhero/sci-fi, remain unpublished, yet he soldiers on.

Jack Chandler is a member of Jericho Writers. In April 2021, her first children's book was published by Carl Ed Schunemann KG in Germany, but her heart belongs to thrillers. She's writing a thriller/psychological thriller series with returning characters, although each book works as a standalone. Ms

I am an LGBTQ+ writer hailing from Newry in Northern Ireland, right on the border. I graduated with a B.Ed Hons degree in English and Drama in 1995 and have been a Primary School teacher ever since. I am also very lucky to teach and perform Burlesque with my dance troupe, The Scarlet Belles. I have

Originally from Sydney, Australia, I have spent most of my adult life in Switzerland, working as a physio with disabled children, raising a family, and studying. I received a BA with First Class Honours in Literature and Classical Studies from The Open University in 2001, and an MA from Bath Spa

Growing up on the prairies of Colorado, Rayanne (Rayray) Robison developed a wide taste in literature, which is reflected in her stories. Her goal is to reach people with her stories, and maybe even help them change their thinking, by the grace of God. She is determined to live a purposeful life

I write women’s upmarket and historical fiction. As a former retail executive specializing in e-commerce, for years I’ve channeled my story-telling passion into writing thousands of words in the form of published articles, white papers, website and social media content, marketing materials

British Army veteran and former English Teacher; now writing Horror and Sci-Fi novels. I love folklore-inspired horror and splicing together terror and sci-fi fiction. @HThomaswrites

I have published short fiction and poetry, and I have been short- and long-listed for the Fish Short Story Prize. As an undergraduate I majored in English literature, though I currently work in technology.

I was born and raised in Spain and moved to live in the UK when I was 25. Learning a new language wasn’t easy for me; so, I challenged myself to write in English as a way to improve the language. Characters and their stories have crowded my head from a young age, wanting to be told; one day I gave

Pat Sayer studied history and art history as an undergraduate. She practiced medicine as a naturopathic physician. Later, she taught anatomy and microbiology to pre-med students at Washington State University. The inspiration for writing her first historical novel came after reading an article

Originally from Sydney, Australia, I have spent most of my adult life in Switzerland, working as a physio with disabled children, raising a family, and studying. I received a BA with First Class Honours in Literature and Classical Studies from The Open University in 2001, and an MA from Bath Spa

Patrick Eades is a writer from Sydney, Australia. Growing up, he spent his free time reading, on sporting fields, and getting up to mischief in the National Park. After school, Patrick found himself in a variety of jobs. He was a baker, pizza delivery driver and shelf stacker before realising he

Although born in the UK, and educated at Cambridge University, I embarked on a teaching career in California. Securing several promotions, and working in a variety of schools and settings, I became a headteacher in the UK. I currently live in London and am an educational consultant, supporting

I am currently the head of the journalism department at City St George's, University of London and a former journalist who’s worked as a staffer for the BBC, the Independent, the Washington Post, the Sunday Times amongst others. An award-winning short story writer, my work has also been longlisted

I am a retired professor of Victorian Literature who has written two single-authored books, produced several editions, edited or co-edited several essays, and written numerous articles. During the course of my career I worked with a writing therapist, Cynthia MacDonald, a poet and therapist who was

I am a neurodivergent mother raising two readers in upstate New York. When I’m not writing fiction, I work in the EdTech sector, focusing on accessible online course design.

Mike Darcy is the debut author of the Little Joe series, as such it is not a series yet, but trust him, there is more than one book. He spent the better part of his youth wandering the forest, subsisting on foraging wild berries and the generosity of concerned woodland creatures. He holds degrees in

I have always written and though I have never been published, I’ve been placed in many writing competitions: most recently I have been longlisted in the CWA’s Debut Dagger, The Yeovil Literary Prize, Flash 500 Novel Comp, The Joan Dempsey First Chapter Contest and shortlisted in The Retreat West

Michael is a graduate in philosophy, politics and economics from Oxford University. He lives and works as a lawyer in London. In between spending time with his wife and chasing after his spirited young son, Michael reads and writes.

Kirk Rafferty loves to imagine new characters and write their stories. Unfortunately (for them, but fortunately for readers) he has a terrible habit of putting those characters through hell, and oftentimes even outright killing them. Kirk primarily writes historical fiction and fantasy. He lives

Celeste Lovick is a Canadian author and singer-songwriter residing in Norfolk, England with her husband and son. Her first novel, 'Medicine Song', was self-published in 2017 and was inspired by her experiences performing at greenfield festivals over the years. She has released four solo albums of

My first attempt at serious writing was a play in Spanish in my sixth form at school. Much later, I wrote stage plays for my local amateur dramatic society, Cobham Players, in Surrey, for which I have acted as Chairman. In the last few years I have self-published two books of historical fiction.

Read Classics and Philosophy at UCL and taught Greek philosophy for a bit at the University of Kent. Did an MA in creative writing at Bath Spa University and have been writing on and off for years. Presently work in a medical school library.

BIOGRAPHY: My name is Rosie Beattie and I have worked as an English and Drama teacher for the majority of my career which has definitely informed my writing. I also have a background in theatre having worked as both an actor and director. I have a keen interest in film and have enjoyed writing LEMON

I was born into a working-class family in the North of England. My family on my father's side are Romany Gypsies who lived a travelling lifestyle. Education wasn't a priority in my family but I was fortunate in that I attended a grammar school which enabled me to get a university education. I have

Anne Lacourrege was raised in New Orleans. There has always been the desire to do creative writing and this was Anne’s first attempt. My father was the inspiration for this story. He was such a happy, go-lucky guy that loved life. Unfortunately, he ended up with Alzheimer’s. With those sad days of

Physician, psychiatrist, podcaster, and author Richard Gillett received his medical degree from Cambridge University, England, and is a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. He has published three popular books on psychology. "Overcoming Depression" (Penguin), translated into six languages;