Books / Melanie Stevenson
Bristol-based French writer nominated for international award
A French writer’s honest accounts of navigating through life in the UK have been nominated for an international accolade.
Melanie Stevenson first started publishing on her online blog, Frenglish Girl, in September 2024 and was soon able to grab the attention of many French expats living in the UK.
The blog, a skilful blend of personal emotions, recommendations and anecdotes, was moulded from the French writer’s desire to “share what I’ve learned, and continue to learn, while living here”.
Only 10 months after the blog first started, Stevenson’s words have been nominated for an award aimed at strengthening ties between France and the UK.
Stevenson admits falling in love with Bristol when after seeing a Wallace & Gromit sculpture
Trophées des Français du Royaume-Uni or Trophies of the French in the United Kingdom, presented by media outlet Le Petit Journal, and if the Frenglish girl secures the highest votes, she would become the third recipient of this annual public prize.
The writer, who is originally from Lorraine in France, moved to London in 2009, where she eventually met her British husband. Together, the couple moved to Bristol in 2020, where they now raise their daughter bilingually – a practice that helped little Amelie speak both French and English from the age of four.
The Frenglish Girl offers practical guidance and emotional reassurance to expats like Stevenson, enabling them to smoothly transition to living in the UK.
Mélanie’s flair for writing and podcasts, alongside her strong presence on Instagram, has brought her a newfound status of a local celebrity.
“It can be quite surreal when someone I’ve never met recognises me,” says Mélanie.
“But I’m always really touched, and somewhat humbled, by the idea that my writing has helped someone else from France feel more at home in this country that I love.”
Voting for the Trophées des Français du Royaume-Uni is open until midday on July 15, with anybody across the global welcomed to cast their votes.
The winner, once announced on September 26, will progress to the final of the Trophées des Français de l’Étranger, the international version of the award.
View this post on Instagram
All photos: Melanie Stevenson
Read more:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
