Natalie Rutherford

Name: Natalie Rutherford 

Novel name: The Great Sheep Swap -MG

Natalie has been writing for a living for more than 20 years - as a regional newspaper journalist, in NHS communications and now in the charity sector. Originally from the West Midlands, she now lives in rural Cumbria where she falls asleep to the sound of sheep most nights. Current obsessions include learning to play the trombone, swimming in chilly lakes, and becoming a published children's author.

What made you enter the Cheshire Novel Prize?

I decided a while back to throw my hat in the ring for every competition I was eligible for. It's such a great way to boost your confidence if successful, and I normally manage to get over the inevitable failures fairly quickly. The promise of feedback for all made the Cheshire Prize even more appealing.

What did it feel like when you were LL and then SL? 

I honestly had absolutely no expectations when I entered. There were a LOT of entries so when I spotted my story in the top 100 tweets, I was absolutely thrilled. I really didn't expect to go any further, so the longlisting was wonderful, especially as I knew quite a few others who were LL too from my critique group and other writer friends. 

When I got the call to say I was shortlisted I was in Asda with my kids - keeping it real. I was so delighted. I still can't quite believe it now, to be totally honest.

What was the reaction from those around you/family and friends? 

The reaction from my children was the same as every time I have writing 'news' - " so does that mean your book is going to be published now??" Er, not yet, but hopefully one day! 

My writer friends were all really lovely - they know what a big deal it is to be shortlisted.

You were unrepresented when you enter the CNP, can you say what's happened since? 

I have started querying my novel and have had some good feedback. I have a few fulls out and am waiting to query any further until I get my Cheshire Prize feedback, as I'm sure there will be improvements suggested which I can work into my manuscript. 

How did you come up with the idea for your book?

I moved to the countryside a few years ago and could see sheep from my bedroom window. I became obsessed with the question of whether they were happy, or longed for more excitement in their lives. 

What's it about?

Dougie (11) thinks rural life is super dull, until his mum vanishes in a puff of smoke and a girl turns up on his doorstep, claiming to be a sheep.

The Supreme Sheep has turned his mum into a sheep and transformed another member of the flock into a human girl. The only way to get Mum back is for the girl - Baarbara - to agree to be turned back into a sheep, which she REALLY doesn’t want. The reversal must take place within one week, or the transformation will become permanent.

Dougie faces a race against time to find a way of bringing his mum back which will allow Baarbara to live as a human and experience all the things she is desperate to try – the Zombie Unicorns video game, cheesy puff sandwiches and even school.

What's your writing routine?

I tend to spend a really long time just thinking, and write nothing at all for weeks on end. Then once the idea is clear in my head, I'll write obsessively and knock out a whole draft in a few weeks.

What's next for you?

I'm currently attempting to write a funny, environmental story which is proving as challenging as you might imagine. The climate catastrophe is clearly no laughing matter, but I'm determined to find a new way of highlighting green issues to young readers in a light-hearted way.

What are your favourite children's books and why?

My recent favourites are all funny books - Grimwood, Loki, Rex: Dinosaur in Disguise. I have huge admiration for authors who can write such clever, witty stories, which appeal to the intended target audience but make adults laugh out loud too. 

Every time I read a brilliant children's book - from Skandar, to Murder Most Unladylike, to Aveline Jones - I decide I want to write in that genre, but somehow I keep returning to comedy. Watch this space for news of my fantasy/mystery/spooky story...one day! 

Any tips for writers intending on entering the competition?

Just do it. I know sometimes it can feel like you are throwing a lot of money down the drain entering competition after competition, but the Cheshire Prize is one which is genuinely worth it, with feedback for everyone and a really supportive community wishing you every success.

Try to find someone impartial to read your work before you submit it (not just family and friends). However polished you might think it is, 99% of the time there will still be room for improvement. There are lots of places online where you can find critique partners and beta readers for free.