We are delighted to introduce you to the seventeen authors contending for the coveted Joan Hessayon Award in 2018. Before the winner is announced at the RNA’s Summer Party in Oxford in May, you can find out more about each of the authors here.

Welcome to the RNA blog, Cryssa, and congratulations on being one of the contenders for this year’s award. How long have you been writing? Is this your first published piece?

Headshot of author Cryssa Bazos

They say that readers grow to become writers, but in my case the reverse was true. I can confidently say that I practised my writing long before I could read – on walls, and especially on my doll’s forehead. The walls were soon covered up, but the legacy of the doll remains. I did become more serious about writing for publication around nine years ago when I decided I wanted to write a novel that I would re-read. This is when I started writing what would become Traitor’s Knot. My first published piece was a quirky short story called Confessions of a Tooth Fairy, which was inspired by my youngest son’s fraught relationship with that dubious creature of the night.

How many years were you a member of the NWS and did you submit a manuscript each year?

I’ve been with the RNA since 2011. I submitted (mostly) every year what was an evolving draft of my final novel. While others would have moved on and started something new, I was determined to get this one right. I refused to give up on my characters! All my readers were encouraging and very constructive in their feedback, and I’m grateful for their time and effort.

What came first, agent or publisher?

For me the publisher came first. Although I did have agents who showed an interest in my work, the offer from Endeavour came through very quickly, and I was impressed with their approach.

How did you find your publisher?

I attended the Historical Novelist Society’s conference in Oxford (2016) and signed up to have a pitch session with Endeavour’s then publishing director Amy Durant. Endeavour had a healthy historical fiction list and welcomed fiction set during the 17^th century.

Do you have a contract for one book or more?

I only have a contract for one book, but I am working on a sequel. Digital publishing is agile, and there are so many opportunities available to enterprising authors these days.

When was your book published?

Traitor’s Knot came out in May 2017. The week it came out, I discovered that it is possible to live on coffee and adrenaline. It was such an exciting time, and the support I received was both humbling and overwhelming. I was particularly thrilled to see it become an Amazon bestseller and a Hot New Release.

Tell us something about your book

Traitor’s Knot takes place during the uncertain era between the execution of King Charles I and the start of the English Civil War. This is a story of love and conflicted loyalty. Elizabeth Seton is a young woman who has been shunned for her father’s role in a failed Royalist uprising. In the midst of this new social order, she risks her life by sheltering fugitives from Parliament. To further complicate her life, she meets James Hart, a former Royalist officer turned highwayman. He preys on Parliamentarians in order to raise funds for the restoration of the king’s son, Charles Stuart. Traitor’s Knot has been called a thrilling romantic adventure.

What are you currently working on?

I’m working on a the second book of the series, where I follow one of the characters from Traitor’s Knot to a new adventure after his capture at the Battle of Worcester. Even though it’s not a sequel, a few key characters from Traitor’s Knot will make an appearance.

What piece of advice would you give current members of the NWS?

The NWS is an amazing mentorship program, and I’m so very fortunate to have found the RNA. My advice would be to attend conferences and take advantage of the networking opportunities that they offer.

Find out more about Cryssa:

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Congratulations, Cryssa, on graduating from the New Writers’ Scheme. Wishing you all the best in your career.