How long have you been writing?

I started writing a few years ago to try something different from my day job as an engineer, and enjoyed it so much I decided to start a part-time degree in creative writing.

What was the inspiration behind your winning story?

The inspiration for my romance novel Teammates, where a footballer struggles with a move away from his hometown but finds love as a result, comes in no small part from my own experience of moving away from home. With football as a consistent love of mine from childhood to adulthood, it seemed like the perfect backdrop for a romance! 

What has happened since you won the competition?

Winning the competition gave me such a boost – I immediately wanted to sit down and finish my novel there and then, but unfortunately with my master’s dissertation due I had to put it on hold. With that now handed in, and after a super helpful chat with Megan Carroll, I’m ready to finish Teammates off and see where I can take it!