The highlight of the writing year was, no doubt, the publication of my YA novel, ‘A Different Way of Knowing’.

I love this book, because I love the main character, Wren. And I love the setting of Avebury. As I said about ‘things found on the mountain’ with regard to the Black Mountains, the writing of the book was a way of keeping a special place with me. And, of course, publication provided the perfect excuse to return to the area, to refresh my memory.

Thank you, Little Grebe, Pembrokeshire’s newest publisher, for letting the voice of little Wren be heard!

I was very pleased to have two stories published – one in the Welsh literary magazine, ‘These Pages Sing’, and the second in ‘Magi’, an anthology by Bridge House Publishing. It was a pleasure to read an extract from the latter story, ‘Adoration’, at the Press’s annual dinner. I think (hope!) it was well-received.

Many thanks to the editors of these publications for liking my work.

It was also particularly special to take part in ‘On Land’s Edge’, our Fishguard Arts Festival, as I read my Bristol Prize-winning story, ‘A Cure For All Our Ills’. Besides being one of my favourite stories, it is set just a few miles from where we live in North Pembrokeshire. And it is based on a traditional piece of folklore of the area. So I was very glad to have an opportunity to read it locally.

And there were two competition short-listings, one for the Exeter Prize, and the other for the Hammond House International Prize. These are always welcome, as it’s a sign that your story has drawn the attention of the readers/judges, and therefore has some merit in it.

I should, of course, point out that among these successes, there were numerous rejections. They are part of the writing process, and it is important to recognise that… but also to be resilient, and carry on. If you are lucky, every now and then, a reader will tell you they love your work, which really helps to keep you going, and is something to be treasured above all else.

I also want to say a big ‘thank you’ to my husband, without whom this website and these posts would not be possible.

Let’s see what 2026 brings…!