As one of the new editors of Urban Pigs Press, and also one of the authors, I am delighted to give all you Indie authors out there a bit of encouragement. I have made the shortlist for the Page Turner Awards 2025 with Burnt Lungs and Bitter Sweets. I am in the sub-category of ‘Phoenix’, which recognises people who have overcome barriers, difficulties or disabilities and, in short, triumphed. And yes – that really does describe me who has re-invented and rebuilt my entire life in the last few years. I will find out if I won the award on 5th November, when I attend an international online ceremony – yes it’s the ‘LIT AWARDS’ folks, and I’ll be hoping that my name is already in the envelope.

Whatever happens, there will be champagne, because getting this far out of so many entries is something to be really proud of. Not least, because it just shows that a small-time independent author has produced a bit of Brit Grit about four dodgy punks which the judges think worthy of reaching the shortlist. Surely this must give all you Indie and newbie authors out there a lot of hope that you don’t have to be published by the big six, you don’t need to be traditionally published – we are infiltrating from the underground and we are shining! I have also been selected as a mentee to work with ‘Mercury Creatives (a brilliant local theatre) on a scripted adaption of said novel (taking a leaf out of Irvine Welsh’s book here) and also produce a performance poetry show for next year.

But a huge thank you must go to James Jenkins and Urban Pigs Press, and (although he is no longer with UPP, Bam Barrow for his input and support), for producing such a professionally edited and beautiful book – and to Cody Sexton of Anxiety Driven Graphics for the eye-catching cover he designed.

My Nan used to say AIM HIGH, so I’m keeping right on that rocket to the stars and I’m not coming down any time soon.

Virginia Betts is a tutor, author and actor from the UK. She has written 4 books: Gothic stories, The Camera Obscure, which will shortly be released in a second edition by Urban Pigs Press; Two poetry collections, Tourist to the Sun and That Little Voice; and Burnt Lungs and Bitter Sweets, a debut novel published by Urban Pigs Press, shortlisted for the Page Turner Award. She is a walking advertisement for neurodivergent success stories, specialising in neurodivergent learning, often speaking at conferences, regularly performing poetry wearing enormous gold wings and singing about cats, and even occasionally volunteering in prisons alongside James Jenkins.