Nobody likes a show off!

I received my prize for winning the Bookseller's Bursary yesterday. Wow, what a parcel! Champagne, a trophy, £'s, an Arvon gift certificate, a winner's certificate, an Arvon Moleskine notebook. Superb. I am chuffed to bits. And I wasn't going to say anything, because y'know, it doesn't do to show off. Then I thought, oh hang on a minute, I'm quick enough to share things that make me miserable.

So -





It's funny, I have an uncomfortable feeling of wanting to tell people that I have had some good news, mixing with huge embarrassment. I didn't tell many that I was on the short list, I wasn't going to mention it in fact. So when I won I had this conversation with my mum and a few others. "Oh, erm, there was this thing..." mumble, mumble. I was squirming, not sure why. Haven't heard a word from my dad (who lives with my mum) and when we spoke on the phone he didn't mention it. Both my brother's are on facebook but they haven't mentioned it either. My husband is pleased but hasn't read a thing I've written for years. Anyway, I decided to brave this out and announce publicly that this is quite the nicest thing that has happened to me in ages.

I am thrilled with my prize. Thank you to Waterstone's for being so incredibly supportive of the many writers it employs, and thank you to the judges from Simon & Schuster, Arvon and United Agents. I'll shut up now and hope you can forgive the showing off.

Itching and winning!

Waterstone's ran a writing competition for a Bookseller's Bursary with a cash prize, a place on an Arvon course, paid leave to attend the course and a trophy . I was shortlisted and invited to a "do" for the announcement of the two winners. Sadly I developed Urticaria and had to spend the morning in A&E instead of going to London as planned. Apparently I have had a massive allergic reaction to something and am now on steroids and antihistamine tablets. I feel very sorry for myself, and am ITCHY beyond belief. I am literally smothered by these gruesome lumps.

I came home from hospital feeling very glum, and then received the news that I had won!

I think it's fantastic that Waterstone's is supporting the many budding writers that are drawn to working in its stores. This is a superb prize, and I am chuffed to bits. It's going to be a real pleasure choosing a course to attend and I'm hoping it'll help me get my novel whipped into shape.

So, boo to rashes and illness, but a massive yay to Waterstone's and Arvon.