CIRENCESTER-based author Margaret Pardoe is among the contenders for The Romantic Novelists' Association's (RNA) prestigious Joan Hessayon Award for new writers, for her debut novella Meant for Each Other, published by DC Thomson.

The shortlist is made up of authors whose debut novels have been accepted for publication after passing through the Romantic Novelists' Association New Writers Scheme.

Each year 250 places are offered to unpublished writers writing in the romance genre. As part of the scheme, they can submit a complete manuscript for critique by one of the Association's published authors as well as attend RNA events.

As a child growing up in inner city London, Margaret loved staying in ancient cottages in the country during her annual holidays. These properties inspired her to write about the people who might have lived there.

She now combines her love of writing and ancient buildings by running the Gloucestershire group of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, founded by William Morris.

Commenting on her inclusion in the shortlist, Margaret said: "I am totally thrilled to be a contender for this award. Never confident enough to think I might win, it has been enough to be part of the celebration."

Pia Fenton, current RNA Chairman, said of this year's shortlist: "This year's list of contenders once again demonstrates the depth and breadth of the work produced by RNA authors and I am absolutely thrilled that we have another superb group of graduates from our New Writers' Scheme. The New Writers' Scheme is unique to our association and it's wonderful to see that it really works. Congratulations to everyone on the list and especially to the winner."

*The Award will be presented at the RNA Summer Party on Thursday, May 21 at the Royal Over-Seas League, Park Place, London.