Ivory Boy by Tara is shortlisted for the 2021 Author of Tomorrow, 12-15 years

I first came across the “Author of Tomorrow” competition on the Exploring English Google Classroom which was designed by our teachers to broaden our English horizons beyond the curriculum and allow us to showcase our work. English is a subject I have always enjoyed, because of how there is no right or wrong and everything is a valid interpretation.

The competition is run by the “Wilbur and Niso Smith Foundation” and celebrates all literature from unpublished manuscripts to novels and short stories like mine.

So, I began writing a short story of over 1500 words. I took inspiration from a documentary I had recently watched called “When Lambs become Lions” which detailed the poaching crisis and knew this would be something deeply atmospheric to write about. I began over the course of a week, slowly adding to my story until I felt it was fully formed. The only guideline in the competition was that it had to be an adventure, it had to depict a journey.  I sent in my application only minutes before the deadline.

A month or so later, at the beginning of the Summer Holidays, I received an email saying I had been shortlisted in my age category (12-15) along with three fellow writers. I was thrilled and had the opportunity to work with an editor to make my work the best it could be. The editor gave me useful advice not only how my work could improve, but how I could progress as a writer. I also did a short interview with the foundation, which you can read here:  https://www.wilbur-niso-smithfoundation.org/index.php/authors/tara-khan

My story titled “Ivory Boy” is to be published on World reader and displayed to young readers across the globe. I couldn’t have been more grateful for this opportunity, and I encourage all young writers to enter competitions like these, to not only to showcase their work, but gain valuable feedback, allowing you to reach your literary potential.

Tara  10T.