Eeeep! Spark has been shortlisted for the Wainwright Prize for nature writing 2023! I’m hopping about like a merry cricket!
Last year Twitch was longlisted and I can’t pretend I wasn’t disappointed when it didn’t make the shortlist.
Much of my work is about attempting to conjure up stories that children will adore, and forges a relationship between them and the natural world, whilst desperately trying to avoid being didactic and keeping things hopeful. It isn’t easy.
To be shortlisted for this particular award is a dream come true and the kind of pat on the back that brings tears to my eyes. I daren’t dream of winning, but keep everything crossed for me because it would mean the world.
This is a special year for the James Cropper Wainwright Prize as it’s their tenth anniversary. To celebrate the awards will take place at the Kendal Mountain Festival in the Lake District, in September. I will be there, along with the other fabulous authors on the shortlist, talking about birds, beetles and my love of nature. If you are interested in being part of the festivities, you can find information about tickets HERE.
If you enjoy hearing a happy author talking about her book being shortlisted for the Wainwright Prize, drop in at 2:50 to the Sarah Gurnell show on BBC Radio Sussex. It was the 1st time I'd spoken about it, which suddenly made it real. That's why I keep giggling.
