Fiona Aber

2025 can be summed up by the 3 M’s: Mexico, Margate and Merky Books.

Mexico gave me peace, space and quiet in ways I didn’t expect. A hot air balloon ride (with happy thug tears throughout) helped me reframe my go-to phrase: “Thank God I’m able.” I realised the life I’d felt frustrated by had also made that trip possible. Even more life-defining was learning that I could work, look after my mum from afar, and still fully live my life — without feeling obligated to be physically with her.

Then came Margate. Returning from Mexico made one thing clear: I’d outgrown my family home. What I (and I’m sure others) didn’t expect was where I’d land. One day trip in May, house viewings two weeks later, keys two weeks after that — six months on, I’m still in a state of quiet bliss. I love the home I’m building, slowly and intentionally.

To round things off, I became a Merky Books New Writers’ Prize shortlistee — which still sounds mad. I entered to force myself back into writing (classic me: started the manuscript days before the deadline), not imagining what might happen next. At first I felt grateful just to be there, almost trying not to take up space. Now I’m learning to sit with the fact that I earned it — alongside some wildly talented writers. Whatever comes next, the reminder that my voice matters means everything.

2025, you’ve been grand.
2026… let’s be ’avin you. ✨