Worthing girl in short story final

Keen writer Zoe Iden has been named a finalist in a national competition

Zoe Iden, who has just finished year six at English Martyrs Catholic Primary School, has been shortlisted in the KalliKids Short Story Competition 2015.

Judges selected ten stories from each of four age categories, for school years three to six, from more than 500 entries across the country.

Zoe said: “Wow. I am delighted as it’s the first writing competition I’ve entered.

“I entered it because my teacher told me about it. I really enjoy writing and I’m so excited that I have done so well.”

Each story had to be around 500 words long. Winners will be chosen by best-selling author Jo Rees and announced in early September.

The top stories will be published in both hardcopy and e-book, and the four schools with the most entries will win a creative writing session with Jo, who wrote Platinum and Come Together.

She said: “I loved writing stories as a child. Getting encouragement and feedback set me on my path to become a writer.

“Until you set pen to paper, you don’t know where your imagination can take you. That is why I am so delighted to be judging the competition.”

KalliKids is a Brighton-based company dedicated to providing parents with a place to find recommended, trusted and approved family activities.

Karen Bach, competition spokesman, said: “We were so impressed with the quality of stories we received. Evelyn’s story was amazing. The theme of the competition was shine and she certainly did this.”

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