The Female First Awards 2018: Author of the Year

by Holly Mosley | 17 December 2018

There have been some amazing stories told throughout the year in the forms of novels, short stories, autobiographies and self-help books. Some more than others have left their mark on us, and left us excited for what next year brings. One in particular has entertained us so much that we're presenting her with Author of the Year at this year's Female First Awards.

Nominee: Diana Evans, Ordinary People

This Londoner's third novel is a relatable exploration of the effects of birth and death on long-term relationships. It sees two married couples thrown into disharmony by suspicions of infidelity and the general mundane conflicts of daily life.

Named Book of the Year in the New Yorker, Financial Times and New Statesman, it's another memorable masterpiece from this amazing author who previously won the first Orange Award for New Writers as well as the British Book Awards' deciBel Writer of the Year for her debut novel 26a. Second novel The Wonder was just as highly lauded, and is even set to be adapted to the small screen.

Nominee: Caitlin Moran, How to Be Famous: A Novel

We loved the former music show presenter's How to Be a Woman and How to Build a Girl, and now Caitlin Moran is back with her latest novel How to Be Famous. It's one wild ride of a story that builds on the semi-autobiographical narrative of the previous book, following the life of Johanna Morrigan into young adulthood. It's set in the 90s, so the book is a smoky room of grunge, Britpop and not a mobile phone in sight.

How to Build a Girl is set to be adapted into a movie in the near future, which is probably the most exciting news we've had all year. With so many issues going on in the world right now, a nostalgic trip back to the 90s is exactly what everyone needs.

Nominee: Cecelia Ahern, Roar

Womanhood interpreted in thirty fun, quirky and emotional short stories exploring shame, motherhood, race and maturity. These are clever analogies of everyday life for a lot of women and an amazing addition to the feminist movement of 2018.

The Dublin bestseller first found fame with her debut novel PS, I Love You, and while Roar is a separate species to her early work, it maintains the wit and emotional intelligence that Cecelia delivers so remarkably well.

Nominee: Madeline Miller, Circe

American writer Madeline Miller dropped her second novel in April. It's another inspired by Greek legend, this time set from the point of view of Circe from The Odyssey, and is another truly feminist spin on a beloved tale. It's almost a psychological analysis on one of the most misunderstood characters from Greek mythology.

And that's why Madeline Miller is such an important writer. It's the transcending depth of her characterisation that has made this novel Book of the Year in publications the likes of The Guardian, Time, Daily Telegraph and the Washington Post. A worthy follow-up to The Song of Achilles and contender for our Author of the Year.