Author Spotlight: Hannah Begbie

One of the joys of editing is working with talented writers and watching them flourish. The Book Edit is extremely proud to have worked with some fabulous authors and to have played a part in their journeys. As The Book Edit Writers’ Prize gets underway, we want to draw attention to some of the writers we have worked with as inspiration for those eager to follow in their footsteps and Hannah Begbie is the first of our award-winning novelists to take the spotlight.

Author of Mother, 2018, winner of the Romantic Novelists’ Association Joan Hessayon Award, and Blurred Lines, 2020, both Harper Collins, Hannah Begbie’s work is sharp, compelling and relevant. A writer who is definitely one-to-watch, The Book Edit was delighted to work with Hannah as her writing journey first took flight.

As Hannah puts it, ‘In those uncertain months before securing an agent and then publisher, Emily’s work as editor on my manuscript was crucial. Her notes were always perceptive and challenging but framed with real encouragement and support. I was lucky to have someone so talented helping me take my story forward: Emily deserves real credit for the fact that it’s being published.’    

Currently writing her third novel, Hannah’s first two have been met with huge critical acclaim. Mother examines the complexities of motherhood with the additional difficulty of having a child with cystic fibrosis and Blurred Lines tackles the film industry’s darker truths, fast becoming a classic of the #metoo era (Read our review of Blurred Lines here). Exacting and fearless, Hannah’s work is both searing and filled with human warmth. If you haven’t read her yet, you are in for a treat. The Book Edit couldn’t be more proud to have supported Hannah at the early stages of her career.

For a chance to share your work with the industry and follow in Hannah Begbie’s footsteps, enter The Book Edit Writers Prize. Aimed at supporting talented writers who might not otherwise have access to the industry, the prize is open to unpublished novelists from communities and backgrounds currently underrepresented in British publishing. Enter before midnight on 22 October 2021. And don’t forget to look out for our next author spotlight.

5 Reasons why you need to apply for City University's Novel Studio

There are just 20 days left to get your application in to City’s Novel Studio 2021 Programme…

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Here’s why you should apply…

1. The course has a proven track record. Alumni include Award-winning authors Deepa Anappara, Hannah Begbie, and Harriet Tyce, amongst many others.

2. It’s practical. Each module has been designed to support you in writing your novel, from developing your plot to character motivation.

3. The tutors are brilliant: Rebekah Lattin-Rawstrone and Kiare Ladner are both professional writers, editors and creative writing teachers who really know their onions and want to help you become better writers.

4. It has great links with the publishing industry. Each year students are trained in rehearsed readings towards an end-of-year show to an invited audience of literary agents.

5. There’s one fully-funded space available for a talented writer from a low-income household via their scholarship scheme.

Apply before 30 April 2021

The Blurred Lines of Hannah Begbie's brilliant new novel

Hannah Begbie’s latest novel, Blurred Lines, due out in August, couldn’t be more timely. A story for the #metoo era, Begbie’s novel explores the film world’s hierarchies through the lens of Becky, a super smart, vulnerable woman who balances being a single mum with assisting Matthew Kingsman, one of the industry’s most successful producers.

The novel opens as Becky arrives at a party thrown by Matthew at his family home in Notting Hill, a party where “the rich looked rich, and the nonconformists wore their asymmetric fringes with confidence.” Matthew encourages Becky to ‘come and meet some people,’ people who are drinking the very watermelon martinis it was Becky’s job to order.

Later, when Matthew invites Becky into his study and suggests she hold one of his Academy awards to feel its weight, the power imbalance is palpable. Buoyed by several glasses of champagne, Becky tells Matthew she has an idea for a screenplay: a revenge story inspired by Medea - a story we only latterly find out has particular resonance for Becky.

That same first chapter contains a second, devastating scene, also at Matthew’s house but a year later. It’s a shocking scene which upends Becky’s fragile hold on life and makes her question everything. So begin the blurred lines of the title.

A compelling story of power, trust and revenge, searingly astute and stylishly written, Begbie’s second book confirms her arrival as one-to-watch. Pre-order your copy now.

Hannah Begbie wins Romantic Novelist's Association Award

Thrilled to hear that Novel Studio alumna Hannah Begbie has won the Joan Hessayon Romantic Novelist's Award for her debut novel, Mother, out later this month with HarperCollins. As if that wasn't enough, TV rights have now been sold to Clerkenwell Films, after a four-way auction, with her husband, Bafta-nominated screenwriter Tom Edge poised to adapt the novel. It's proving to be quite a year. Congratulations, Hannah!