National writing recognition for Teesside University academic

A Teesside University creative writing academic is one of just four authors to be shortlisted for a prestigious national literary award.

Lucy Burns, Lecturer in Creative Writing in the University’s School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Law, has been shortlisted for The Sunday Times Charlotte Aitken Young Writer of the Year award.

Lucy’s debut book, Larger than an Orange, is an intimate and powerful memoir which explores the emotional aftermath of abortion, along with the gap between politics and personal experience. It has been described as part diary, part prose poem and part literary collage.

Originally from Manchester, Lucy started writing the novel in 2018 while working in academic publishing and completing a PhD.

Lucy said: “When I first started writing what would eventually become the book, it was completely removed from my work or studies at that time. No-one knew about it, and I had to really think about the impact that publishing it might have on my life.

“I originally planned to publish the book anonymously, and the decision to use my own name is something that I’m still conflicted about.

“The book was well received, but it was quite overwhelming when it was first published,” said Lucy, who decided to draw from her PhD studies and literary industry experience to return to teaching.

“Coming to Teesside to teach was a natural progression. I’m really happy to be working with such brilliant students and colleagues.”

Lucy added: “I did feel nervous about sharing this part of my life with my students, but they’ve been brilliant. Not everyone will have shared the experiences talked about in the book, but most people have engaged with health services, and might see something of themselves in those passages.”

Lucy, who is now working on a screenplay adaptation and is also writing her second non-fiction book, added: “I’m overwhelmed and grateful to receive this nomination. It’s given me motivation for my next projects.”

Larger than an Orange was also selected among The Sunday Times Books of the Year 2021. The winning author will be announced on March 14.

---