A Norwich author has been nominated for a top Asian literary prize.

Anjali Joseph, a graduate of the University of East Anglia's creative writing MA course, has been included on the long-list for the 2012 Man Asian Literary Prize.

The 34-year-old's novel, Another Country, is representing India in the competition as Miss Joseph, who now lives in central Norwich, was born in Mumbai. It is her second novel and is based in Mumbai, London and Paris, three cities in which she has lived.

Another Country is one of 15 books on the long-list for the prize, which is intended to showcase the literary talent which is emerging from across Asia.

Miss Joseph said: 'It was a really nice surprise. It's a long-list with lots of famous names on so I have no idea if I'll make the short-list.'

The long-list will now be whittled down to a short-list, which will be announced on January 9.

The winner will then be announced at a black-tie prize dinner in Hong Kong on March 14, with a $30,000 prize going to the winner.