The Awards Ceremony

It was such a huge privilege to be invited to the Award Evening as one of three finalists in the Ruth Rendell Short Story Competition 2026

To have my story chosen from the hundreds of entries by Dame Margaret Drabble, was a massive honour. To meet her, and chat at length, was truly memorable.

My story, Sweet Peas, was read beautifully by actress Sophie Morris-Sheppard who didn't just read it, she performed it in a way that has made me re-think how I write for the voice.

I am thrilled to say that ,my story was announced as 'Runner-up' - the Winner was a hilarious account of internet dating which had us all in stitches.