Deborah Rogers Award
News
MA student crowned winner of Deborah Rogers Award
Friday, 30 January, 2026Bath Spa University MA Creative Writing student, Saranya Murthi, has been crowned winner of the Deborah Rogers Award 2025 for her unpublished novel, Ratri.
Saranya was chosen from 876 entries, including novels, short stories, non-fiction, and young adult writing. Exploring themes of innocence, agency, and childhood trauma, her novel follows an ‘unforgettable’ protagonist: 11-year-old Ratri, who is offered the opportunity to act as the possessed child in a local horror film, but calls into question whether she can embody the darkness of the role without it untethering her repressed trauma.
Discussing her work and its themes, Saranya said:
“As a horror writer, I’ve always been very interested in the genre’s tropes and examining what they reveal about people and their core fears. My novel explores one such trope: the possessed child.”
The manuscript was hailed as ‘compelling in its portrait of an awakening consciousness’ by Chair of the Judges, Erica Wagner, who applauded Saranya’s ability to ‘create a truly convincing young voice.’
Erica Wagner, a renowned author and literary critic, was among three judges of the Deborah Rogers Award. Joined by winning playwright and poet Inua Ellams, and acclaimed writer, classicist, and broadcaster Natalie Haynes, the judges awarded Saranya £10,000.
Established in memory of esteemed literary agent Deborah Rogers, the Award supports unpublished writers with financial support and champions emerging literary talent through initiatives such as the David Miller Internship Programme, which provides paid, entry-level opportunities to increase diversity in publishing.
The Award has a strong history of catapulting previous winners into success, securing publishing deals with Picador, Hamish Hamilton, Bloomsbury, Chatto & Windus, Virago and Jonathan Cape, among others.
Reflecting on how she felt receiving the award and the future of her work, Saranya said:
“It was – and still is – surreal! I sometimes still can’t quite believe it. I feel incredibly grateful for the support and confidence the Deborah Rogers Foundation has given me.
“The award has already opened so many exciting doors – including connecting me with a wonderful agent. I’m currently focused on working closely with them to move the novel forward. As to what’s next – I've never been more excited to find out!”
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