A talented student from King Edward VI College has been shortlisted for an award ceremony being held in London in May. Finlay May is a second year student from Sapocte in Leicestershire who entered the National Writing Competition earlier this year.
The competition is run by First Story in affiliation with The Sunday Times, which will publish the winner’s piece in The Sunday Times online. Three winners will also earn a place on an Arvon creative writing residential course.
Fin’s English teacher Paul Maiden, who encouraged his students to enter the competition, said “Fin’s work, a short story, about a female pirate who is both vulnerable and incredibly strong, is full of flair and totally memorable. He successfully updated a traditional genre and setting, and made it relevant to readers in 2016.”
“There is clearly a wealth of talent at KEC for creative writing, and it is fantastic to have this recognised at a national level. Fin has consistently shared his work with our Creative Writing group, and been happy to offer feedback to others who are new to poetry and fiction writing.”
All shortlisted students will read their story out to the judges before the overall winner is announced. Fin will also have his work published in a professional anthology which will be launched at the Prize Giving.
When he leaves college Fin plans on going to Sheffield University to study English Literature. “I chose to come to KEC because they offered the subjects I wanted to take and they weren’t all available anywhere else. I would love to be a writer, ideally for fantasy or sci-fi. I’d like to write for a big company like Wizards of the Coast or Games Workshop”
“I’m glad I was given the opportunity to enter by Paul (English Teacher), and encouraged by Mary (Personal Tutor) and didn’t think I was even going to make the longlist, I’m glad people enjoy the story. When I found out I made the shortlist it was a really pleasant surprise. After writing for the competition, I felt more confident and joined up with a creative writing group that the college has, it’s more fun and productive than just writing alone, you feel like you learn a lot, even if some of the things you submit feel a bit cringe-worthy to have read through in a group.”