Lucy Steeds Wins Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize for 'The Artist'

Lucy Steeds has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize for her novel, "The Artist," which has garnered acclaim for its richly evocative prose and compelling narrative set in 1920s Provence. The announcement was made on July 24, 2025, and marks a significant recognition of Steeds as a promising new voice in contemporary literature.

The novel, which weaves a tale involving aspiring journalist Joseph Adelaide, reclusive painter Edouard Tartuffe, and his niece Ettie, explores themes of artistic ambition and the complexities of creativity. The judges praised the work for its "atmospheric, sensory prose," highlighting Steeds' ability to paint vivid imagery through her writing. Bea Carvalho, head of books at Waterstones, noted that the book creates a "gorgeously claustrophobic" experience that allows readers to be fully immersed in its world.

In a review published by The Guardian, Christobel Kent remarked on Steeds' skillful character development, stating, "Her characterisation too is vivid and sure-footed: the anguished Joseph, the fiercely determined Ettie, and at the centre of his shadowy lair, the great tortured brute Tata – half Cyclops, half Minotaur – each of them groping towards artistic expression." Such descriptions underscore the novel's thematic exploration of the sacrifices made for art and the often tyrannical nature of artistic genius.

Steeds, who hails from North London and began writing this novel while residing in France, shared her fascination with "art monsters"—figures whose destructive actions for the sake of their art often overshadow the contributions of those around them. In her words, "I was less interested in the art we’ve gained from these monsters, and more interested in the art we’ve lost. What could have been created if these tyrants weren’t crushing everyone around them?" This perspective adds a complex layer to her narrative, inviting readers to reflect on the ethical dimensions of creativity.

The Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize, launched in 2022, seeks to honor the best debut works in fiction, and Steeds' win comes from a shortlist that included notable titles such as "Confessions" by Catherine Airey and "Saraswati" by Gurnaik Johal. Previous winners have included Alice Winn and Ferdia Lennon, who have also made significant contributions to the literary landscape.

With the prize, Steeds receives £5,000 and a commitment from Waterstones to support her writing career moving forward. This recognition not only elevates her status in the literary community but also sets a promising trajectory for her future works. As the literary world anticipates her next project, readers are encouraged to delve into "The Artist," a novel that deftly navigates the realms of art, ambition, and the human condition.