After having a book published, most authors dream of seeing their book shortlisted for an award. So thank you to Carol Lovekin for her thoughts on her haunting novel Wild Spinning Girls, published by Honno Press, being shortlisted for the prestigious Rhys Davies Trust Fiction Award 2021.

One Bird at a Time
(Thoughts on having a book shortlisted)
Carol Lovekin
Several years ago, as a fledgling author with one novel under my belt, I read a book called Bird by Bird, by Anne Lamott. The title is based on an incident when Lamott’s father urged her ten-year-old brother, who was struggling to finish a report on birds, to tackle it, ‘Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.’ (Already convinced my imaginary Muse was a local crow who left random words on my windowsill, the title of the book alone appealed to me.)
And bird by bird, is how Lamott advises her readers to write their books.
I’m a slow writer and over the years have discovered it takes as long as it takes. One step – one bird – at a time. This approach works equally well with regard to the ongoing fact of being published. I’m nothing special, I’ve just written a few books some people have liked and even loved. Writing is my job now, so just show up, follow the birds and get on with it?
Having an idea for a story you sense might work is a moment of wonder for any writer. It can be a tiny spark or an explosion. Either way, it’s the beginning of something unique to the author. And there is something irresistible in the idea that you might, for a while, cause magic in the mind another person through the act of storytelling. Plus, never mind the reader, who knows where a new story will take the writer?
Over the years since I’ve been published, the idea that anything I’d written might be considered for an award never crossed my mind. (It’s the secret dream of course, like having your book turned into a film, and as unlikely to ever happen.) When I received the email telling me my third novel, Wild Spinning Girls, had been shortlisted for the Rhys Davies Trust Fiction Award 2021, I had to read it twice, look for the bit I’d missed: about it having to do with someone else? Slowly, it sank in – my book had been selected. (One of the birds appeared to have taken an unexpectedly big step!) And to be perfectly honest, I still can’t quite get my head around it.
What is gratifying is the sense of validation. I was seventy-two when Ghostbird was published and that, frankly, was the box ticked! I’d done it, the dream come true! Since then, even after having three more accepted (my fourth novel – Only May – is due for publication on 19 May this year) I still pinch myself.
I write very much from instinct and was unsure if my quirky style would ever find a publishing home. It was my good fortune to be signed by a press who made no attempt to persuade me towards a more commercial brief. Honno gave me a chance and I have been privileged to be superbly edited by two outstanding women: Caroline Oakley and Janet Thomas. The nomination for Wild Spinning Girls says as much about Honno – about them – as it does about me.
Which brings me to the question, the one I am often asked: how does it make me feel? Having my book nominated? Needless to say, I am indebted to Literature Wales for choosing my book for their shortlist. It’s pretty wild to be honest and yes, a little bit special. It’s affirming, certainly. Above all though, I remain hugely grateful to Honno for their faith in me. I write because I love it, and because someone else might love what I write too. So I shall keep on doing it – continue writing stories from my heart – one bird at a time.
Stop Press! Carol’s new book has just had its cover reveal, and it’s looking gorgeous! Only May will be published by Honno on May 19th – available for pre-order now!