Highly Commended - Salt, Water and Air – Literary Fiction by Grace Harding
Grace Harding
Grace Harding is an Irish Ghanaian writer who lives by the sea in South East England. She’s dreamt of being an author ever since, aged nine, she wrote her first manuscript on a typewriter and sent it straight to a publisher. Unsurprisingly, the publisher declined. But her dream endured.
These days, Grace works as a copywriter, having previously dabbled in publishing and travel writing. She has a BA in English literature, as well as postgraduate diplomas in psychology and law.
Alongside being shortlisted for the Cheshire Novel Prize, Salt, Water and Air was long-listed for the Peggy Chapman-Andrews First Novel Award (Bridport Prize). When she’s not writing, Grace can be found riding horses, exploring wild places and trying to convince herself to take a dip in the freezing sea.
What made you enter the Cheshire Novel Prize?
Some of my wonderful writer friends told me about it. I was brand-new to the world of competitions at that point, but I jumped at the chance to get feedback on my manuscript. The stellar judging panel was also a huge draw.
What did it feel like when you were LL and then SL?
I was trudging down a rainy street in London when Sara called to tell me I’d made the long list. I went from grumpy to elated in about thirty seconds. Finding out I’d made the shortlist was an incredible, overwhelming experience. I had to go to a dance class to shake off the adrenaline. Realising that someone else loves my novel has been so validating, and it’s given me the confidence to really go for it.
What was the reaction from those around you/family and friends?
They were thrilled. I’m lucky to have incredibly supportive people around me, who believe in me – even when I doubt myself! I’m also part of the best writing group I could ever ask for. We celebrate all of each other’s wins, big and small.
How did you come up with the idea for your book?
I was in West Cork for a weekend with my mum, in a popular tourist town. I overheard a group of locals blaming migrants for all of the country’s problems. It made me furious, and deeply sad. But it also lit a spark. I knew I wanted to write about the deepening divisions we’re seeing today, while also capturing the wild, beautiful Ireland that I adore.
What’s it about?
Set in a sleepy village in coastal Ireland, my novel follows a young woman whose best friend vanishes one summer weekend. Her disappearance sparks chaos, as secrets and thinly veiled prejudices begin to rise to the surface of the community.
It’s a mystery that reimagines elements of the Children of Lir – a much-loved Irish legend.
What’s your writing routine?
Constantly changing. I’m a copywriter by day, so I tend to work on my novel in the mornings and evenings. I also love a deadline, which is why entering competitions and being part of a writing group has been brilliant motivation to get a move on.
What’s next for you?
Querying. Even the thought of it is intimidating, but CNP has been a huge confidence boost. In the meantime, I’m continuing to polish my novel so that it’s the best it can be. I’m also excited to get started on my next manuscript, while trying not to get too distracted by it, and I’d love to work on some short stories.
What are your favourite books and why?
White Teeth by Zadie Smith made a huge impression on me as a teenager. I related to the character Irie, and her struggles with her mixed heritage and identity. It was the first time I felt seen by a literary novel, and that was special.
Strange Flowers by Donal Ryan, one of my favourite Irish authors, is a stunning book that moved me to tears. Ryan’s ability to tackle issues like race, grief and loss through such elegant prose is astounding, and the characters stayed with me for a long time.
I’ll sneak in a non-fiction title, too – I am an Island by Tamsin Calidas. I find her love for the natural world, which comes through clearly in her storytelling, inspiring for my own writing. And the depiction of her resilience and determination left me breathless.
Any tips for writers intending on entering the competition?
Do it! You never know where it could take you. If you have time, it’s worth honing your synopsis and thinking about what sets your novel apart. But more importantly, take a chance – get your story out there, whether it’s your second draft or your fifth. This competition is a rare opportunity to receive feedback from industry professionals, and I’m so glad I entered.