Local writer, 9, to be published

A nine year old girl from Montgomery has won a national writing competition and will have her story turned into an audio book.

The competition, called ‘Inspired Tales’, is run by Yoto in conjunction with the National Literacy Trust and was open to anyone under 15, living in the UK, United States or Canada.  This brand-new writing competition for children is in its first year and there were two age categories - under 9s and 9-14s.

Seren Roach entered the competition at the end of 2021 when she was only 8 years old and won first prize in her category.

As well of a bundle of prizes from Yoto, Seren’s story will be transformed into a professional recording, on a Yoto card available for sale internationally.

Seren will be involved in the professional production of her own story, from editing and sound recording to artwork. She will also receive a  Yoto Player, audio cards, headphones  and book vouchers.

This week, Seren and the other UK winner were congratulated via a video meeting by best-selling author, Sophie Dahl one of the panel of judges and Ambassador for the competition.

Avid reader and self-proclaimed ‘book worm’ Seren said: “Meeting with Sophie Dahl was so exciting. I was a little star struck at first but she was lovely and talked to us about her children, pet tortoise and the book she is currently writing. She even asked for suggestions for a part of the plot she is stuck on!”

Seren who aspires to be an author when she grows up added: “I’m so proud to be able to say I’m a published writer at 9 years old. I can’t wait for my story to be on sale later this year!”