For a fourth year, Quay Words’ successful competition invited young writers aged 10-18 to write a piece of short or ‘flash’ fiction: up to 250 words for those aged 14–18 and up to 500 words for those aged 10–14.
This year, we introduced a new optional theme of ‘Key’ Words, and for the first time we’ve created a pamphlet showcasing the best entries, designed and illustrated throughout by Bethan Oakley.
Three talented young writers have placed first, second and third in each category, and two young people have also been highly commended. Read on for their reactions to being recognised for their flash fiction.
Aged 10-14
Evie Coulson
1st Place
Evie Coulson, Year 7
‘Death Awaits’
What do you enjoy about writing fiction?
I enjoy writing because I’m always imagining things and I love writing them down on paper. I usually write them down on paper first and maybe draw some pictures of what I’m imaging to help my put it to paper. I often write them on my old typewriter first, before as I like the way the keys feel.
I would like to try some more competitions and hopefully win some more and if I’m really lucky become a famous author one day.
2nd Place
Iris Davies, age 12
‘Forgettable’
What do you enjoy about writing?
I like to express my ideas through fictional scenarios and seeing how I can develop my style of writing.
What are your ambitions for your writing now?
To be honest, just to enter more competitions and continue to pursue writing.
Lauren Shearer
3rd Place
Lauren Shearer, age 13
‘I wake up, Mummy shaking me…’
Why do you write?
I write because I find it fun and relaxing. I use writing as an escape.
What do you enjoy about writing fiction?
That you can write anything. You could write about someone’s life during a historic event or a magical adventure. The possibilities are endless, and nothing is too wild or too silly.
What are your ambitions for your writing now?
To keep writing and keep enjoying writing. I hope that I can keep achieving in my writing but most importantly I want it to be fun.
Aged 14-18
Arianna Ibbotson
1st Place
Arianna Ibbotson, Year 10
‘Keys are funny little things aren’t they?’
What do you enjoy about writing fiction?
I enjoy writing fiction because it allows me to get creative. It lets me go to a whole new place, which is the main reason I read so much, too. Writing books has always been an aspiration of mine, and I hope to use it in any future careers I do.
Ammaarah Vohra
2nd Place
Ammaarah Vohra, age 16
‘A Pound of Flesh’
What do you enjoy about writing fiction?
I enjoy writing as it allows me explore ideas, emotions, and experiences in a way that feels both freeing and meaningful. There’s something powerful about creating characters and stories that resonate with others – a way of connecting to people through shared imagination.
I also write because it allows me to explore the complexities of human nature. In stories like ‘A Pound of Flesh’, I hope to raise awareness of both the darkness and resilience in people’s hearts – the determination to survive, as well as the desire for dignity and hope. It’s this tension, the push and pull of humanity, that I find most fascinating about writing.
What are your ambitions for your writing now?
There are so many stories within marginalised communities – stories of resilience, survival, and hope – that deserve more attention, and I hope to continue giving voice to those who often remain unheard. Flash fiction has taught me the art of saying a lot with very few words (!), and so I’m excited to experiment with longer formats, exploring the balance between fiction and reality and using stories to not only entertain but also provoke thought and evoke empathy. I’m excited to see where this journey leads, and incredibly grateful for this recognition.
Amara Nwuneli
3rd Place
Amara Nwuneli, age 16
‘ Forever Until We Are Never More’
What do you enjoy about writing fiction?
Writing and words in general holds incredible power. It bridges nations, delineates opposing ideologies , promotes wholesome values and so much more. Honestly, it is has been an outlet for me ever since I was young (think Matilda). Writing/Reading Fiction and any literary works in general teaches me so much and has formed the bedrock of who I am as a person and what I believe.
What are your ambitions for your writing now?
My ambition is to keep on doing what I have been doing… I aim to continue writing poems, telling people’s stories and advocating for things that matter through my words. Through this competition, this goal has just been invigorated and I am excited to see what more is in store.
Thank you to everyone who entered their stories, and to the teachers and parents and anyone else who spread the word about the competition.
At a special event at Exeter Custom House on 12th October, the winners were invited to perform their work and presented with their prizes by special guest Wendy Meddour, the internationally best-selling children’s writer and Director of Creative Writing at Exeter University.
Look out for an announcement about the 2025 competition, launching early in 2024. You can subscribe to the Literature Works newsletter to be the first to hear when it launches…