S&S snaps up debut from scriptwriter Millns

Simon & Schuster has snapped up the debut novel from award-winning scriptwriter Nina Millns.

Bethan Jones, senior commissioning editor, bought UK and commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, to Goddesses from Hannah Weatherill at Northbank Talent Management at auction. TV rights were also won at auction by Roughcut Television from Weatherill. Goddesses will publish in July 2023.  

It has been pitched by the publisher as “Bridesmaids” meets “Get Out”, described as a “bitingly funny novel that explores the power dynamics of activism, the dark side of white feminism and the importance of making your voice heard”. It centres on a hen weekend that takes an exceptionally dark turn, all told through the perspective of Ayesha.  

Jones said: “Nina’s ability to bring characters to life hooked me from the very first page. I fell a little in love with Ayesha and Yaz. We all need friends like this, who aren’t afraid to tell it like it is. I felt compelled to read this book not just to find out how everything turns so deadly, but to learn more about the characters, their relationships, their experiences as women. There are so many important messages in this book, all wrapped up in a juicy central plot, and I’m so excited to publish it next year.” 

Millns added: “I’m incredibly excited to be working with Bethan and the team at Simon & Schuster UK to bring my debut novel into the world. Writing Goddesses has been a wonderful journey so far, and a huge learning curve. I can’t wait for readers to join Ayesha and the other characters on this whirlwind and hope most of us come out the other side!” 

Weatherill added: “We’re so excited for the world to discover Nina and her glorious characters. Goddesses’ exploration of power and belonging in the world of activism – who’s invited into the circle, and the dark consequences of daring to challenge the status quo – is incisive, warm, and blisteringly funny. Nina is a real star and I’m thrilled that she’s found a home with Bethan and the S&S team.” 

Millns work has been featured on BBC Radio 4, and she has recently written various episodes for the "Dr Who" audio drama, including an all-female International Women’s Day special, as well as writing the BBC Sounds series “Mortem”.