A SOLIHULL student has won the a young writers award.
Rosie Brooker, author of Forever England, won the Young Walter Scott Prize, in the 16-19 years category.
Forever England, which is set at the close of the First World War and addresses the disconnect between the so-called ‘war heroes’ of literature.
Rosie said: “I chose to set my piece just after the First World War because I think it is an interesting period of transition, both historically and in literature.
“I wanted to explore different elements of the period in conjunction with one another, rather than looking in isolation at the horrors of the war.
“There is such scope to write about a period which interests you, to be inspired by history, to hear your own voice alongside other writers – contemporaries of the time, historians, historical fiction authors.
“I would always advise to stick to whatever you’re interested in, however niche or idiosyncratic, because then the whole process of thinking, researching and writing will be more rewarding and your story will be better, at the end of the day.”
Chair of the Judging panel, Elizabeth Laird, said: “Every time I settle down to read the Young Walter Scott Prize entries, I’m fascinated to see what subjects the young writers choose.
They’re always a surprise. Inspiration strikes from places all around the world and from every century, sparked by places the children have visited, by an inspiring teacher or by the personal histories of their families, or perhaps by a poem, a memory, a painting or a sudden wild act of the imagination.
“Reading these stories, I feel sure that the future of fiction is secure. Some of these young writers will go on to do great things, but for now we can pause to celebrate what they have already achieved.”
