Bethan Roberts’ second novel, The Good Plain Cook, was released in July 2008. It was the book at bedtime on Radio 4 in July and received excellent reviews. Bethan’s first novel, The Pools, which evolved from her MA dissertation, was published by Serpent’s Tail in the summer of 2007. Bethan was also selected for the prestigious Arvon/Jerwood mentoring scheme for writers under 35. Entry was highly competitive, with only 9 creative writers chosen from MA courses throughout the country. As part of the scheme, Bethan completed her novel under the guidance of an experienced novelist. Bethan has also published short stories, all written for the MA, including ‘Family Portrait’ (MsLexia, 16, 2003). She won The Olive Cook Award (Society of Awards) for another short story in 2006.