Jane McKie's collection of poetry, Morocco Rococo, published by Cinnamon Press in 2007, won the first book category in the Sundial Scottish Arts Council Book Awards.

The 40-year-old author said: "I was absolutely thrilled to find out I'd won. I didn't even know my publisher had entered me into the competition. It's been a great confidence boost."

Jane moved to Linlithgow a year ago with her husband Philip Raines and their daughter Genovieve who is 21 months. She gave up her job as a researcher in adult education at Stirling University, in December to concentrate on her writing and prepare for the arrival of a new baby in August.

"This award is a great opportunity. I have always loved writing, but I only started taking it seriously in the last few years as my confidence built up."

Morocco Rococo is a collection of poetry which takes its title from Jane's adventures in Morocco.

She said: "It's an eclectic mix of poetry. The first sequence is about Morocco and the Sahara as I went on a trek there with Maggie's, the charity for cancer support, in November 2006. The poems draw on places, local legends and folklore. I also draw on experiences from my childhood – where I grew up in Sussex and other places where I lived."

Jane is currently working on her second collection of poetry and looking for a publisher.

She said: "I would like to say a big thank you to the Scottish Arts Council who gave me the New Writers Bursary in 2005, and to Cinnamon Press in Wales who were very nurturing towards me. This is one of the most wonderful and encouraging surprises I've had!"

Along with the £5000 category prize, Jane could also be awarded the overall title of Sundial Scottish Arts Council Book of the Year. The winner will be named at an awards ceremony hosted by Rory Bremner on June 20 at Borders Book Festival in Melrose.