Sue Pickford Cheung

It’s always a nice start to the new year when you get lured out of hibernation to do some people meeting, especially when it’s at a central London Waterstones and the Christmas lights are still up.

Anyway, the Diverse Book Awards is 5 years old! And to celebrate, a big group of past winners were invited to speak on a panel. Pictured here are: Marie-Claire Amuah, Nathanael Lessore, Jenny Ireland, Kia Abduallah, me, Naomi Jones, Abiola Bello and Rashmi Sirdeshpande. We spoke to an audience on a broad range of themes, from what we were currently writing, our influences and work processes, all the way through to how to cope with writers’ angst. My favourite: using my cat as a stress ball.

Thanks to hosts/founders Abiola and Helen, and all the fantastic bookstore staff.