Michelle Briscombe’s novel The Ghosts of Craig Glas Castle has been shortlisted for the Tir na n-Og award in the English-language children’s book category.
The T’ir na n-Og is the oldest and most popular award-ceremony for children’s literature in Wales.
Michelle was born in Cardiff, and today lives and works in Barry.
The sequel to 2016’s The House on March Lane, Craig Glas Castle is an old-fashioned ghost story with a contemporary twist.
Its heroine, Flora, is a teenager with a very special gift: she can speak to ghosts! And living as she does above the workshop of her antiques-dealer father, there are plenty to be found.
Flora uses her abilities to bring the ghosts closure. But when she, her father, and her adoptive brother Archie depart for a working holiday at a Welsh castle, she finds herself embroiled in a mystery reaching back into centuries past, and forward into an uncertain future.
Michelle, who has been writing since she was a little girls, said she was delighted in being nominated.
“I’ve been writing since I was a little girl, and to know my work is being read and treasured is what it’s all about,” said Michelle.
“These awards help spread the word to bookshops and schools, and from there on to children. It’s an absolute joy to think that my book is finding its way into young readers’ hands.”
Craig Glas Castle is an old-fashioned ghost story with a contemporary twist (Image: Supplied)
Craig Glas Castle is published by Cardiff-based Candy Jar Books, whose book The Search for Mister Lloyd, by Griff Rowland, won the Tir na n-Og in 2016.
The independent publisher will be hoping for a repeat performance at this year’s award ceremony.
Head of publishing Shaun Russell said it is a thrill simply Michelle was nominated.
“There are some wonderful publishers featured in the nominees,” said Mr Russell.
“Michelle is going toe-to-toe with Bloomsbury, and they know a thing or two about children’s books!
“This is Michelle’s third release with Candy Jar, and we’re delighted her work is attracting recognition. Her writing has a real warmth: her books feel at once classic and brand new.”
For Michelle, she seems to be relaxed whatever happens at the awards.
She added: “Come what may, I’d like to thank the judges for their commendation.”
The winners of T’ir na n-Og will be announced on May 17 as part of the CILIP Wales conference.
Copies of The Ghosts of Craig Glas Castle are being distributed via the Books Council of Wales and are available from all good retailers, including your local indie bookshop.
