AUTHOR Alison Moore is trying not to think about next week's ceremony for the biggest prize in the literary world.
The Nottingham Writers' Studio member, one of six contenders on the shortlist, told the Post: "I'm not thinking that far ahead – I've mentally stopped here to save my sanity."
The 41-year-old mother-of-one and former PA is content that she has been nominated for the life-changing Man Booker Prize, which comes with a £50,000 award.
Her debut novel, The Lighthouse, published by Salt, is on a shortlist featuring bookies' favourites Bring Up the Bodies, by Hilary Mantel, a fictional account of Cromwell's life and sequel to Wolf Hall which won the prize in 2009, and Umbrella, the ninth book by novelist and journalist Will Self.
The winner will be announced at London's Guildhall on Tuesday.
Alison, who lives in Wymeswold with her husband Dan, a web developer, and their three-year-old son Arthur, said: "There will be a few hours before the announcement is made so if you're just hanging on that final result it must be incredibly nerve-wracking.
"It's fantastic to have got this far – it's more than I could ever imagine, especially with a first novel and a small publisher so I can just think of it as an amazing experience and just see what happens."
Her story of a lonely middle-aged man, Futh, on a walking holiday in Germany, has received rave reviews from critics and readers alike who have described it as thrilling, strikingly creepy, evocative and beautifully written.
It was shortlisted from a total of 145 books, in what was described by chairman of judges Peter Stothard as "an extraordinary year for fiction."
The accolade has the power to transform the winner's fortunes, increasing book sales and putting them on the worldwide map.
Previous winners include Peter Carey, who scooped the prize in 1988 for Oscar and Lucinda, which went on to be made into a film starring Ralph Fiennes.
Alison, who used to be a PA at the Lakeside Arts Centre in Nottingham, fits in writing around being a full-time mum.
She had just started her second novel when she was put forward for the Booker Prize.
"It's had to take a backseat because of all The Lighthouse promotion but that's a fantastic reason," says Alison.
See Saturday's Weekend magazine for the full interview.
