A woman who has juggled motherhood with a burgeoning writing career is in the running for a national award for her latest novel.

Despite only starting out in 2008, Newham Council schools IT adviser Tamsyn Murray has already been shortlisted for several awards.

Now she can add a nomination in the first ever Young Adult Romantic Novel section of the Romantic Novelists Association Awards to the list.

Her book, My So Called Phantom Lovelife, is a follow-up to her first novel, My So-Called Afterlife, which came out in 2010. It is described as the “classic story of the heart wanting what it can’t have.”

She said: “I was absolutely delighted because the shortlist was delayed in being announced so I assumed that I hadn’t made it.

“The judges have chosen some really strong titles. It’s a real honour to be among them.”

The winner from each category goes forward to compete in the overall Romantic Novel of the Year in the ceremony on March 5.

Mrs Murray, who lives in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, is currently working on a romantic comedy novel for adults.

She added: “The ceremony will give me the much needed chance to glam up - fingers crossed I have something to celebrate.”