An Edinburgh schoolgirl has come one step closer to her dream of becoming the Next Big Thing in Scottish writing, after being named as the winner of a Scottish Book Trust Young Writers Award.
Chloe Paton (14), from James Gillespies High School in Edinburgh, is one of three lucky Scottish teenagers selected to receive the award. Her submission to the competition, entitled The Man with the Rucksack, was chosen from over 115 entries as an outstanding example of teenage creative writing.
Commenting on her win, Chloe said:
“I’m so excited to have been given this opportunity. To be able to meet and work with a successful, published author is one of the best things that has happened to me. I can’t wait to get started!”
Chloe’s money-can’t-buy prize will ensure that she gets the best possible start for her writing career. She will spend a 6 month mentoring period with published teen writer and playwright Cathy Forde, enjoy a visit to a top London publisher and get the chance to meet industry professionals.
Caitrin Armstrong, Writer Development Manager at Scottish Book Trust, said:
“The standard of applications for this year’s Young Writers Awards was extremely high. Chloe’s entry stood out as a very strong piece of writing and I look forward to seeing how her writing develops as the mentoring progresses.”
This year’s mentor is Cathy Forde, the best-selling author of Sugarcoated, Bad Wedding and Fifteen Minute Bob. Cathy said:
“It is a privilege to work with emerging talent in the raw and to have the luxury of time to nurture and develop that talent in an atmosphere of creativity and enthusiasm.”
Chloe’s winning entry is available to read here.
