Fiction writing

At the end of 2024, I completed a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing at Manchester Metropolitan University. I received a distinction overall and for my finished novel.

I’ve written a number of short stories in speculative fiction. My main project is a fantasy novel called The Nettle Jar, which explores issues of our relationship to nature, power, abuse and male control through the character of the young witch Agrimony.

The examiners said

‘The Nettle Jar is an exquisitely written novel. The world-building is highly convincing, sophisticated and complex, as is the characterisation, and momentum and twists and turns of storytelling.  The writing style richly descriptive and immersive, blending vivid imagery with a lyrical quality that evokes both the natural world and the emotional landscape of the characters. The overall craftsmanship of The Nettle Jar is first rate . . . Agrimony / Grim is a fantastic central protagonist. She’s authentic, despite the fantastical setting, with a believably human and multi-dimensional interiority . . . Overall, The Nettle Jar is a fantasy novel  filled with magic and danger, inviting readers to engage deeply with the characters' struggles and the intricacies of their environment through a meticulously controlled plot, rhythm and pace.’

This is from the synopsis:

Agrimony – ‘Grim’ to her few friends – lives quietly as a village witch and herbalist, concealing her true power. Behind a sharp tongue and a tough demeanour, she is haunted by memories of the cruelty she suffered as a child. Her late father used her in experiments to try and control the forces of life and death. This traumatised her, but also created in her a unique magical bond with the life of nature and the creatures she encounters. This bond defines but also destabilises her. It a poisoned gift she both loves and hates. So, when Grim discovers that unknown forces have restarted her father’s work, she goes on a quest that will force her to confront this legacy. It will test her courage, resilience and capacity for love.

I’m currently exploring options for publication. If you’d like to know more, contact me at shakess@hope.ac.uk