The Writers of Wales Database

CHRISTOPHER, LUCY

Website: www.lucychristopher.com
Email: christopher.lucy@gmail.com
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Lucy was born in Wales and grew up in Australia from the age of 9, visiting Wales in her holidays. Returning to live in the UK permanently, Lucy earned Distinction in a Creative Writing MA from Bath Spa University. She then worked for the RSPB, helping to establish and run the education programme at Newport Wetlands Nature Reserve, as well as part-time lecturing at Bath Spa University on both the undergraduate and the MA creative writing courses.

She is currently undertaking a PhD which explore the ways that Australian literature represents wild places, particularly in its writing for young people. Her debut novel, Stolen (Chicken House, 2009) was written as part of this PhD. It explores her thoughts about the Australian desert wilderness in the story of a teenage girl who is kidnapped and taken to the Outback.

Lucy's second novel, Flyaway (Chicken House, 2010), has been shortlisted for the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize. It considers a strong relationship between a father and daughter. In between writing, Lucy spends her time riding a grumpy chestnut mare and helping to run a kid’s wildlife group at Newport Wetlands. She is a Member of Academi.

Reviews:
With respect to Stolen (Chicken House, 2009)

"…A vivid new voice for teens…"
Melvin Burgess

"…A stunning, scary and beautiful book…"
John Marsden


Selected Publications:
Stolen (Chicken House, 2009)
Flyaway (Chicken House, 2010)




Stolen (Chicken House, 2009)

Sixteen year old Gemma is kidnapped from Bangkok airport and taken to the Australian Outback. This wild and desolate landscape becomes almost a character in the book, so vividly is it described. Ty, her captor, is no stereotype. He is young, fit and completely gorgeous. This new life in the wilderness has been years in th planning. He loves only her, wants only her. Under the hot glare of the Australian sun, cut off from the world outside, can the force of his love make Gemma love him back? The story takes the form of a letter, written by Gemma to Ty, reflecting on those strange and disturbing months in the outback. Months when the lines between love and obsession, and love and dependency, blur until they don't exist - almost.

To purchase this novel from amazon.co.uk, please click on its front cover



Flyaway (Chicken House, 2010)

In this touching novel, Lucy Christopher explores the remarkable bond between a young girl, a boy and a damaged wild bird - a relationship that will touch everyone who reads it. While visiting her father in hospital, thirteen-year-old Isla meets Harry, the first boy to understand her and her love of the outdoors. But Harry is ill, and as his health fails, Isla is determined to help him in the only way she knows how. Together they watch a lone swan struggling to fly on the lake outside Harry's window. Isla believes that if she can help the damaged swan, somehow she can help Harry. And in doing so, she embarks upon a breathtakingly magical journey of her own.
 
For ages 10+.

To purchase this novel from amazon.co.uk, please click on its front cover