From classroom to bookshelf: success stories from our MA Creative Writing alumni
Congratulations to four MA Creative Writing alumni who have published their novels, highlighting the talent emerging from Oxford Brookes and the impact of the University's creative writing community.
Aastha Roy (2024) has published her first novel, Love Under Cover (2026) with Bloomsbury. Set in contemporary India, the romance follows Jai and Ananya, characters first developed during Aastha's studies at Oxford Brookes. Aastha credits the MA Creative Writing course with helping her transform the initial idea into a completed novel and achieve her ambition of becoming a published author.
Mary Newnham (2023) has published Amy Elman Doesn't Feel Sexy (2026) with Hodder & Stoughton. Mary began developing her debut novel while studying on the MA Creative Writing course and describes enrolling on the programme as one of the best decisions she has made. The novel has already received positive reader feedback, and her second book is due to be published in September 2026.
Alison Baxter (2019) has published her first historical novel A Fatal Choice: A haunting novel about power, silence and the devastating cost of respectability (2026) with Bloodhound Books. The book explores the ways that women both support and betray each other, and is based on a true story that Alison found in a newspaper archive.
Morgan Feldman (2014) has published a series of books under the pen name Morgan Spellman, the first of which is titled Say I Boo (2023), published by Meadow Cat. The novel is a heartwarming LGBTQ+ ghost mystery that combines elements of paranormal fiction and supernatural storytelling, offering an engaging read for fans of contemporary mystery and fantasy.
These alumni achievements showcase the success of Oxford Brookes alumni in the publishing industry and the role of the MA Creative Writing course in supporting aspiring authors on their journey to publication.
Other books published by Brookes alumni can be found on our alumni bookshelf. If you are a graduate of Brookes and would like your publication to be included, please contact the Development and Alumni team.