A Spalding author has beaten 250 writers to be shortlisted for a literary prize and scored a publishing deal in the process.
Writer Jane Lacey-Crane (45) is among the contenders for The Romantic Novelists’ Association’s (RNA) prestigious Joan Hessayon Award for new writers.
Her novel, Secrets and Tea at Rosie Lee’s, is the story that got the mum of two in the running.
Jane said: “When I joined the RNA’s New Writer’s Scheme in January 2017, I never thought I would be in the exciting position of being shortlisted for an award.
“Becoming a published author has been a long held dream of mine – I’ve been writing stories for as long as I’ve been able to string a sentence together – but life and all of its other demands kept getting in the way.”
Jane bit the bullet when she learned about the award and the opportunities it offers.
“When I heard about the RNA’s NWS, I knew I had to find a way to join,” Jane said.
“Demand for places is high and when the scheme opened to new entries at 10am on January 1 I was ready with my finger hovering over my email send button!”
Jane sent off her first draft and with guidance, she crafted it into something worthy for an award.
“I worked hard on my debut manuscript and, with the guidance of my anonymous reader, I wrote and re-wrote my manuscript, and then submitted it to agents and publishers.”
With the award as her goal, Jane was excited to get way more than she expected.
“I was ecstatic when Aria Fiction offered me a three-book publishing contract!
“Being nominated for the Joan Hessayon Award puts me in some very good company and is the icing on the cake of what has been a very exciting few months. I am beyond thrilled at the honour.”
A spokesman said The New Writers’ Scheme has been run by the RNA since 1962 and aims to encourage fresh talent in the writing of romantic novels.
