Actress turned author Lisa Williamson is creating a stir with her debut young adult novel The Art of Being Normal.

The book, released in January, is a departure from the usual YA fare, drawing on Williamson's enlightening experiences working for the NHS's Gender Identity Development Service. Breaking ground with her transgender protagonists, the 35 year old has attracted the attention of LGBT charities and is working on a second novel which will further explore teen identity, this time focusing on an unconventional relationship between two 16 year old girls. After speaking about children's gender issues on BBC4's Women's Hour, Williamson looks set to make a splash on the literary event circuit this year with appearances including the Youth Libraries Group conference and the Oxford Literary festival.