We Can be Heroes longlisted for the Branford Boase and the SSBA

Very touched and excited to hear the Heroes has been longlisted for The Brandford Boase AND the Southern Schools Book Award! Loving the BBA because it’s an award for editors too and my editor, the amazing Ali Dougal at Egmont, makes me a much better writer than I really am. I’m not sure people realise how much input a great editor has on the shaping and making of a novel. And the SSBA is lovely cos it’s voted for by Year 9 pupils and (unlike many teachers, I think!) I have a fondness for Year 9s! They are an underestimated species and some of the most discerning readers I know! So thanks for the nominations, although, as my husband helpfully says, it’s the hope that kills you…