St Mary's First Novel Student Signs with Top Literary Agency

A graduate of the Creative Writing First Novel MA at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, Lara Dearman has signed with international literary agency Conville & Walsh. The agency will be representing, The Devil's Claw, a novel which Lara started and finished on her MA. Lara was snatched up by agent Sophie Lambert, only weeks after graduating from the course. Conville & Walsh are among the most successful literary agents in London, with clients ranging from SJ Watson to DBC Pierre and Nathan Filer. Lambert was seduced by the tale of a Guernsey born journalist returning to the island where she investigates a series of murders. The idea for the novel was developed while studying at St Mary's. First Novel MA Programme Director David Savill says he is "absolutely thrilled" for his student, whose success comes after former St Mary's student Jess Kidd signed a publishing deal for two novels with publishers Canongate. "Lara found the idea through her workshops and tutorials, and the pace at which she developed was astonishing. It is all the more incredible considering Lara is the mother of three small children. It just shows what you can do if you put your mind to it. Lara is an inspiration to her fellow students, and I know we will see many more successes like this as the course matures."