Top short story writer

By Frank Neill

Newlands College student Nadia Scott was runner up in this year’s Mansfield Short Story Award.

The year 13 student’s successful short story is entitled “Jacob”.

It “captures an entire family history, with all its complications, in one moment and reveals a

masterful control of language and imagery,” the judges said.

The winners of the competition were announced at an event held for finalists at the National

Library on 20 November.

A shortlist of 11 finalists from local secondary schools was judged by award-winning writer Sue Orr.

Sue said she found the shortlisted stories remarkable for the variety of subject matter explored by the writers, making it difficult to judge.

“The shortlisted stories explore the many challenges facing young people today.

“But there is much joy and celebration of life – and humour – to be found in these works as well.

“I love reading high school short stories because it affords me the privilege of being a witness to the first steps in the careers of tomorrow’s star writers of Aotearoa New Zealand,” Sue said.

The annual competition is open to Year 12 and 13 students in the Wellington region.

The stories of all 11 finalists have been published on the Katherine Mansfield House & Garden website, www.katherinemansfield.com/creative-corner/km-short-story-competition.

The winning story this year was “ouroboros”, written by Kāpiti College student Amaya Colombrick.