Small Big Celebration for a young writer

Many of us SCBWI members are parents and are passing on the writing gene to our children. I met member Emma Finlayson-Palmer at a Book Bound Retreat, so I felt I had to share her good news about her son, Aidan.



Emma writes: My son Aidan Finlayson-Palmer, who is 11, was in the top four for the Children's Fiction competition organised by NAWG, the National Association of Writers' Groups. The competition was judged by children's writer Steve Bowkett.

It’s part of the annual member’s competition with NAWG, with an April 30th deadline each year. It was announced in July that Aidan was in the top four. His younger sister, Poppy, had been in the top four last year, but sadly, wasn't shortlisted this year. The winner was announced on the first Saturday in September at NAWGfest which is the National Association of Writers' Groups annual writing festival; you'll see my review of this soon over in the events section.

The top four writers are awarded a certificate and a trophy. I collected Aidan's trophy and certificate at the Gala Dinner at NAWGfest and was presented with them by children's writers, Gervase Phinn.

Aidan had initially been reluctant to enter, but very pleased that he did! He's a fan of Japanese comic books, and some of his favourite writers are Jason Rohan and SF Said.

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by Charlotte Comley