Stop the presses! Shortlisted for UK Author of the Year!

Well, two updates in one day! I won't know what to do with myself. But I've just discovered I've been shortlisted for UK Author of the Year for The Crane Wife in the National Book Awards.  I'm up against some ludicrously fantastic people (Neil Gaiman, Kate Atkinson, Maggie O'Farrell, Jim Crace and Iain Banks), but what fun!  And for The Crane Wife, too, which is so pleasing.  Now, off to Slovenia!