"IT'S incredible!" An award-winning author from Winchester has described her success as she readies her new book.

Winning the prestigious Costa Award for her novel Unsettled Ground in 2021, Claire Fuller recently spoke to the Chronicle about how her journey has been so far and what's in store for 2022.

The former co-director of a marketing agency started writing at the age of 40, when she decided to study an MA in Creative and Critical Writing at Winchester University, the city where she lives with her husband and two children.

Hampshire Chronicle: Winchester author Claire Fuller. Photo: Adrian Harvey

She said: "From there, one thing lead to another. I wrote my first novel and Penguin bought it. I was like, 'Oh! This is a big surprise and rather wonderful.'

"Half way writing my second book I decided to leave the agency because I had been there for over 20 years and it was time for a change. It was a risk, but I wanted to see what happens.

"I was very very lucky. I got an agency really quickly and the first book went to production, which was rather nice, then Penguin bought the next one and have continued buying my books ever since. And now my books have been published in over 20 countries."

READ MORE HERE: Prince Charles opens The Arc and sees statue of Licoricia

Claire, 55, understands how difficult it can be to get a book published by any publisher and feels fortunate to have published books with Penguin.

She said: "Winning a Costa Novel Award has been a massive change to everything. It means the book gets much more attention. It finds more readers. It's in every single book shop. It's an amazing thing. It takes my career up to the next level."

In between writing the next novel, Claire spends the rest of her time at events, 'meet and greets' and readings at book shops, where she credits Waterstone's and P&G Wells for their support. She said: "Waterstones in Winchester and P&G Wells have been so supportive. Waterstones did a big display of Unsettled Ground. They had posters in the window with a big display. It feels surreal to walk past and see a book that came out of my imagination and my creative imprint in my local book shop. I'm very proud of that."

Claire has seen a lot of success being co-owner of a marketing agency, publishing her books with Penguin and winning the Costa, although she feels being thrust into the limelight was difficult at first. "Writers sit at home at the computer and don't really see anyone. And now the book is published suddenly you have to become spokesperson for it and do readings, meet people, see editors and publishers. Suddenly you're a very sociable person. I really enjoy doing events and meeting readers.

SEE ALSO: Ukrainian couple fears for family in homeland

"I know you can't just keep going upwards. I try to deny the pressure and get on with writing the next book because each book takes two to three years to write. You just have to get your head down and not think about readership, audience, sales or awards. It's about writing the best book you can.

"I'm grateful for the support from family, books shops and publishers. Both my adult children and my husband read my novels and give me feedback. I get emails from readers every day telling me what they think of my books and telling me what they've enjoyed. It's an amazing thing. It's been an amazing journey so far."

Claire is happy to announce the next novel is nearly finished and is currently in editing stages before being shown to Penguin for publishing.

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story. We really appreciate your support.

Please help us to continue bringing you all the trusted news from your area by sharing this story or by following our Facebook page.

Kimberley Barber