B. Wheeler
B Wheeler (she/her) is an author of novels, short stories, and occasional poems living in the West Midlands, UK. B primarily writes for children and teens, and can’t resist adding a splash of magic to her stories. Her debut novel, a YA romcom titled How Not To Kiss A Prince, is due to be published in November 2025.
Beyond writing feel-good stories, B works in learning support and volunteers at workshops for teen writers delivered by Writing West Midlands. In her free time, she enjoys musicals, long baths, recreational running, and trips to the seaside. She’s also known for making origami flowers to celebrate her journey through publishing.
What made you enter the Cheshire Novel Prize Kids?
I was in a slump. I’d spent over two years sending two YA novels out to literary agents, and although both received much positive feedback, I had not enticed any agent to make an offer of representation. I learned I was unsuccessful in my funding application to hire a professional editor and mentor, and my short story didn’t get chosen to be in an anthology I was really excited about. I’d begun work on a third YA novel but it didn’t feel right and I couldn’t summon the enthusiasm to keep writing. I was ready to give up trying to get published. Then, I had an idea for a fun Middle Grade story for readers aged 9-11. It was the perfect palate cleanser. I sat down and words flowed through my fingertips onto my document. Even though I hadn’t finished writing the novel by the application deadline, a writer friend encouraged me to enter, and my sister generously paid my entry fee. I had no expectations of winning (or even being listed), but I hoped to get some valuable feedback.
What did it feel like when you were LL and then SL?
I did not expect to be longlisted. My sister sent me a screenshot of the snippets on X captioned ‘Is this you?’ It was indeed me but I knew not all the snippets were chosen for the longlist. I received that message on my lunch break and had to wait until the end of my work day to see whether my story had been selected. It was the longest afternoon ever but my wait was rewarded by receiving good news. It was such a boost to make the longlist after nearly giving up on writing altogether. I spent that weekend feverishly editing to prepare the recently-completed manuscript for consideration for the shortlist. I was, again, very surprised to make the shortlist. I was on a daytrip with my husband, sitting on a bench in the sunshine, when Sara called with the good news. I’m still dazzled by my little book about grumpy fairies and adventurous girls being so well-received.
What was the reaction from those around you/family and friends?
My family and friends have been very supportive of my writing wins. Even my non-writing friends, who don’t know that such competitions exist, can see how excited I am to have made the shortlist.
How did you come up with the idea for your book?
Two main ideas collided. One: I wanted magic to feel real and accessible. I want readers to believe they could go into the woods and see a fairy, or visit a castle and discover treasure stolen from a giant. Two: I wanted to set a story in my wonderful local area. I grew up in the Black Country, living and working in the wider West Midlands, and it’s such a fantastic place: birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, inspiration for Tolkien’s Middle Earth, home of Cadbury’s chocolate. An idea for a magical children’s book series set in well-known locations around the region very quickly came together.
What’s it about?
When a boy vanishes at summer camp, adventurous Elly and her unicorn-loving friend Bea investigate this odd occurrence. In the campsite woods, the girls discover a very grumpy fairy, who admits to smuggling children into his hidden magical land to distract a thunder of giants from noticing that their treasure has been stolen. Grown-ups don’t believe in magical beings from the Otherland, so Elly and Bea must help the irritable fairy to track down a rogue goblin thief and restore the stolen treasure before giants wreak havoc upon the magical realm. If the girls fail, the Otherland will be destroyed and the missing children gone forever.
What’s your writing routine?
I have two set writing evenings per week, four hours each, where I sit at my laptop and write. Sometimes ‘writing’ is actually editing existing work or offering feedback to other writers, sometimes it’s researching literary agents and publishers. I attend webinars, agonise over synopses, manage my website and social media content. Occasionally I write fiction! A supportive writer friend has the same set writing times so we always have each other on hand to help untangle timelines or fill in plot holes.
What’s next for you?
Good question. I’ve yet to finish edits for my debut novel coming out later this year. I’ve started work on a super secret new YA novel, and I have lots of ideas for the next books in the Otherland series; Elly and Bea will have plenty more adventures with a wide array of assorted magical beings.
What are your favourite children’s books and why?
In YA, I adore I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson. It’s beautifully narrated with such creative and artistic language that I was completely lost in the story. I also really enjoyed Caroline O'Donoghue's Gifts series, and the Fireborn books by Aisling Fowler, each a different imagining of loveable characters on a magical adventure with significant stakes. As a child, I loved the story of Peter Pan in all its renditions. Flying into the stars to discover mermaids, pirates, and pixies captured my imagination and sent it soaring.
Any tips for writers intending on entering the competition?
Allow a trusted friend (ideally someone who is also a writer) to check over your entry first. They may catch typos that you have overlooked, spot cliches, or highlight continuity errors. They’ll probably also cheer you on, celebrate with you if you list, and encourage you to keep trying if you don’t.