And it's only March...

The University of Glamorgan Masters in Writing, which I used to teach on, has always had a fine record in publication and career successes, but this year is turning out to be a bit extra-special. These aren't the only publications and successes this year by any means, but...

In February three novels came out from graduates of the degree:

Mike Thomas's debut, Pocket Notebook

Maria McCann's second, The Wilding

Dan Rhodes' umpteenth, Little Hands Clapping

And what's happened since? Well, Mike has sold the TV rights and looks like having a series with BBC or Channel 4. Dan has won the E M Forster award for Little Hands Clapping. And today we find Maria McCann's novel on the longlist for the Orange Prize!

I'm mightily chuffed, because I knew all three and in fact Dan and Mike were among my own students. Great news, all.

I'm