I always thought I’d be writing books, not designing them.

My first reaction on seeing the announcement was, “Nee vok.”

I have no idea why I was channeling an Afrikaans man at something-past-eleven this morning.

I was so chuffed at making the short-list, that I sketched out no scenarios beyond having my design right up there alongside the freakishly talented (they might be mutants) Fatima Cassim, Yusuf Dajee and Shubnum Khan.

I’m still a bit shell-shocked at the judges’ decision, though I am grateful for this crack at building my design profile.

An ileum-deep thank you goes out to those who included my design in their nominations and to my great friends; whose faith in me is unwavering even when I’m not much of a believer.