From heart-warming tales to action adventures’: Young Fife and Tayside authors feature on national creative writing shortlist

From heart-warming tales to action adventures’: Young Fife and Tayside authors feature on national creative writing shortlist
on Apr 15, 2021

Six children and teenagers from Perth and Kinross, two from Angus and two from Fife, are among  30 shortlisted entrants from across the UK and United States. The children’s creative writing competition is being hosted by the Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels.

Bedtime storybook

Ash Johnston, Cairn Robb, Ava Perry, Daisy McCulloch, Lily Clark, and Sofia of St Dominic’s Primary in Crieff are all representing Perth and Kinross in the contest. Meanwhile, Erin Miller and Grace Fletcher are showcasing the Angus talent, with Kathryn Blades and Summer Murray having made the list from Fife.

‘An absolute joy’

The panel of independent judge authors John Bray, Helen Grant and Susy McPhee, will pick just three overall winners. And the winning books will also have their stories brought to life in illustrations by Charlotte Brayley, Dylan Gibson and The Grey Earl.

They certainly made the job difficult for our judges.” Nic Oldham, Crieff Hydro.

Judge Helen Grant said: “Reading these stories was an absolute joy but it was also extremely difficult to narrow down the shortlist. “I wish it had been possible for all the stories to win.” She added: “Many of the entrants have a clear talent for creative writing – such vivid imaginations – and I hope they all keep it up.” Also read: https://www.frontlist.in/the-latest-book-from-pursuit-of-happyness-author-is-for-dreamers/

Mini book festival

Work to collate the winning books will begin soon. And, if restrictions allow, shortlisted entries will be welcomed to a Mini Book Festival at Crieff Hydro Hotel in July. Head of customer and commercial at Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels Nic Oldham said the judges had a difficult job. “We were thrilled to receive hundreds of competition entries that spread across the country and even overseas covering a wide array of subjects,” he said. “There was everything from heart-warming tales to action adventures with mythical creatures and they certainly made the job difficult for our judges. “We can’t wait to welcome the shortlisted entries to Crieff Hydro in July, if restrictions allow, to enjoy some family fun at our book festival and to be presented with their own copy of the limited edition story book. Source: https://www.thecourier.co.uk/