L.M Nathan author page

L.M. Nathan biography

L.M. Nathan is a British author of young adult fiction, known for her debut novel, The Virtue Season, published by Scholastic in July 2024. Set in a dystopian future where genetic purity is mandated, the novel follows 18-year-old Manon Pawlak during her “Virtue Season,” a year-long process to find a genetically suitable mate. The story explores themes of societal control, eugenics, and the right to love freely. The book has been compared to works like Bridgerton and The Hunger Games, with elements reminiscent of The Handmaid’s Tale and 1984.

Born in the East Midlands, Nathan grew up near Sherwood Forest. She studied English and Drama at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) and later earned an MA in English Literature in Malta, a country significant to her family. She also holds an MA in Multimedia Journalism from Manchester Metropolitan University. Before becoming a full-time writer, Nathan was a qualified teacher, instructing English from Key Stage 3 to A Level across secondary schools in the North West of England.

Her writing journey began through song lyrics, which sparked her interest in storytelling. In 2021, Nathan participated in the Curtis Brown Creative six-month Writing Your Novel course, an experience she described as transformative. The course helped her develop skills in narrative structure, character development, and overcoming writer’s block. She is represented by Curtis Brown literary agent Ciara Finan.

The Virtue Season was longlisted for the 2025 Carnegie Medal and was featured as one of The Guardian’s best new teen reads in July 2024. The novel has been praised for its immersive setting and romantic elements, appealing to fans of dystopian fiction and romantic narratives.