Last month I shared some recent book news – including being shortlisted for the Media 24 Literary Awards M.E.R. Prize for Youth Fiction.

I’m happy to announce that I won!

The awards took place last week and I couldn’t believe it when my name was called out. It was such a strong shortlist that I was convinced it wasn’t my year, so much so that I didn’t even write a speech!

When it was my turn to speak I thanked my publisher, Simone, and expressed my gratitude to Human & Rousseau for always allowing me to write what I like. I tweeted a few more coherent thoughts the next day, and explained just how much awards like this mean to me. Writing is a long, hard road with no guarantee of success, so being recognised for my work does wonders for my confidence.

The award was for Mine, my fifth book for teens, published last year by Human & Rousseau. This is the fourth time I’ve won the M.E.R Prize (Fuse didn’t make the shortlist). The first time was in 2008 for The Goblet Club. 

Thank you once again to everyone who has read, loved and supported my books. It’s been an incredible journey.