The Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize 2025 shortlisted authors are here! Meet Catherine Airey (Confessions), Gurnaik Johal (Saraswati), Niamh Ní Mhaolieoin (Ordinary Saints), William Rayfet Hunter (Sunstruck) Lisa Ridzén (When The Cranes Fly South) and Lucy Steeds (The Artist). Join us for a free-flowing conversation about the themes and strengths highlighted by our booksellers and some winning tips for any writers out there working on their own debut.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.