An Oxfordshire author has been nominated for a national award for new writers, after she achieved her ambition of being a published author at the age of 66.

Penny Hampson, from Witney, is one of 11 contenders for the The Romantic Novelists’ Association's (RNA) prestigious Joan Hessayon Award for new writers.

Mrs Hampson has been nominated for her debut novel The Unquiet Spirit, published by Crooked Cat/Darkstroke.

She said: “I’m delighted to be a contender for this year’s Joan Hessayon Award and absolutely thrilled to join the ranks of the well-known authors who have been contenders in the past.

“When I started my writing journey I never expected to come so far, in fact, it was a bit of a pipe dream as far as I was concerned.

“But with the help and encouragement of the anonymous readers who generously gave their time to critique my manuscript as part of the New Writers’ Scheme and the confidence in my work shown by my publisher, here I am - a published author!”

Mrs Hampson’s writing journey began in earnest when she took early retirement from her job as a researcher dealing with the Special Collections and Western Manuscripts at the Bodleian Library in Oxford.

She joined the Romantic Novelists Association’s New Writers’ Scheme and, at the age of sixty-six and a grandmother, she finally achieved her ambition of being a published author.

Mrs Hampson’s novel is described ‘A heart-warming ghostly tale sparkling with suspense, humour, and romance’.

It is set in both Oxford and Falmouth, locations which Mrs Hampson knows ‘quite well and loves’ so she wanted to share them with her readers.

Commenting on the contenders for 2021, RNA President Katie Fforde said: “One of the most exciting times in the RNA year is when the Joan Hessayon candidates are announced.

“These are the writers who have come through our New Writers’ Scheme and have achieved publication. The standard is always high and these ‘New Writers’ often go on to become best sellers.

“I know I’m not the only one who feels extremely proud of them all. They feel like our own and we all get huge pleasure from their success.”

On advice to other budding writers Mrs Hampson said: “You have got to want to write because it is not easy.

“I would say: keep going. If you are passionate about producing a book just keep going.”

The full list of contenders for 2021 is:

Caroline Day, Hope Nicely’s Lessons for Life, Bonnier, Zaffre

Penny Hampson, The Unquiet Spirit, Crooked Cat/Darkstroke

Helga Jensen, Twice in a Lifetime, Hera

Clare Marchant, The Secrets of Saffron Hall, Avon

Lucy Morris, The Viking Chief’s Marriage Alliance, Mills & Boon Historical

Nancy Peach, Love Life, One More Chapter

Zelah Roberts, Midsummer Man, Totally Entwined

Anni Rose, Recipe for Mr Right, Choc Lit Publishing

Kate G. Smith, You've Got Mail, Orion Dash

Suzanne Snow, The Cottage of New Beginnings, Canelo

Victoria Springfield, The Italian Holiday, Orion Dash

The Award will be announced on 18th September 2021 at the RNA's York Afternoon Tea at Merchant Taylors’ Hall, Aldwark, York.