Elen Caldecott
Author of The Blackthorn Branch (Andersen Press)
Tell us about the book:
The Blackthorn Branch is a fantasy adventure in which Cassie has to save her older brother from the clutches of the tylwyth teg. Luckily, she has help from her cousin Siân and her nain on the quest.
What are your hobbies?
I walk my dog. I like to go dancing. I love watching films. I think anything that makes me feel inspired and hopeful about the world is good.
What was your favourite book when you were young?
I read a lot of Roald Dahl. Matilda was a particular favourite because it made me try to move things with my mind. It never worked.
When did you consider being an author?
Not until I was in my late 20s. Although I had always written stories, it didn’t occur to me that I might try to make a living that way until I was grown up.
What advice can you give to budding authors?
Take your time. Write for yourself first, make yourself happy. Only worry about the industry and getting published when you feel ready.
Manon Steffan Ros
Author of The Blue Book of Nebo (Firefly Press)
What did you want to be when you grew up?
An author! I always loved books, and liked to think of little stories myself, but I didn’t think that being a writer was a real job. I’m very, very grateful every day that I’m a writer now – it’s the best job ever!
What are your hobbies?
I love to read, of course, but I also like to watch things on TV – often random videos on YouTube! Cooking is also a great interest of mine, and football. I’m a big Liverpool fan and like to go to Anfield when I get the chance.
When did you consider being an author?
I don’t remember not thinking about writing, to be honest. There have always been stories in my head. But I think I started thinking seriously about writing stories in a book when I had children, because I wanted to write things for them.
What advice can you give to budding authors?
Remember that every writer works differently, and there is no wrong way to tell a story. Some writers make a definite plan before writing a word, and others, like me, start writing without a clue in the world what will happen in the book. Don’t worry about things like that … and enjoy!
What’s the best / worst part about being an author?
The best thing is the fact that I make up stories all day, every day. The worst thing is that I get a bit obsessive about work and so sometimes stay up until the early hours writing … but then I’m good for nothing the next day!
Emily Lloyd-Jones
Author of The Drowned Woods (Hodder)
Tell us about the book
The Drowned Woods is my loose retelling of the myth of Cantre’r Gwaelod. Mer, a 17-year-old with the magical ability to control water, sets off on a quest with an old spymaster to take down a corrupt prince. How to do this? A heist!
Tell us a bit about writing the book:
I was fascinated with Welsh stories and folklore from a young age. My paternal grandfather was from north Wales, and I loved reading the myths and legends. As I grew older and began writing my own fantasy books, I remembered those stories. Among them was that of Cantre’r Gwaelod: a kingdom that once existed where Cardigan Bay is today.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy baking, playing with my two cats, and video games.
What was your favourite book when you were young?
The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander. I loved that series so much – epic battles, myths, and a cast of lovable characters. It was a very formative series for me.
What advice can you give to budding authors?
Read widely! Read every genre and read as many authors as you can. A lot of the skills you will need as a writer can be self-taught through reading and writing. And never give up! Being an author is as much about determination as writing. You will have to believe in yourself and your words.
Matt Brown
Editor of The Mab (Unbound)
Tell us about the book:
The Mab is a retelling of the stories of the Mabinogi. The ancient tales are the oldest written stories in the history of the British Isles. They are funny, exciting, sad, and sometimes very weird.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be all sorts of things. When I was really young I wanted to be a train driver, then I wanted to play football, then when I got a bit older, I wanted to design sets for the theatre.
What are your hobbies?
My hobbies are playing tennis, reading books, playing my guitar, and I have recently tried to start painting again. This was something I did when I was in school but haven’t done for a long time.
Are there any themes that appeal to you in particular?
I love writing in different genres like sci-fi and fantasy, as well as myths and folktales. But the themes of my books tend to be the same – if you can find a good friend then anything is possible.
What advice can you give to budding authors?
Write as much as you can. Write poems, or short stories, or a diary, or a blog. Anything that means that you get to write about something that you love. And join a library because if you want to write, you have to read.
Eloise Williams
Editor of The Mab (Unbound)
Tell us a bit about writing the book:
It was a lovely experience. I got to work with eleven brilliant authors and one amazing illustrator. I’ve never worked with that many people on a book before, and it was fantastic to be part of such a talented team.
What was your favourite book when you were young?
I had so many favourites. Anything mysterious or magical. I like stories about snow, ghosts, smugglers and the sea.
When did you consider being an author?
I didn’t even think about it until I was in my thirties. I had a lot of stories to tell by then. The best thing about being an author is that you can start at any age – nine, nineteen or ninety!
Do you have any rituals when you write?
I like to listen to music when I’m writing. I choose the music to suit the mood of the piece I’m trying to create. Sometimes I put together a playlist and as soon as I press play it puts me straight into the story.
Are there any themes that appeal to you in particular?
I love to write about people discovering who they really are and being honest with themselves. I also write about hope and friendship a lot.
All the shortlisted titles are available now from your local bookshop.