Anjali Dutton, from Bangalow, has won NSW first prize in a national writing competition.
Anjali, who attends Shearwater Steiner School, had her short story chosen from thousands of entries in the Pilot Pen Creative Writing Scholarship 2014.
The competition was judged by renowned children’s author, Andy Griffiths and child psychologist Jocelyn Brewer.
Mr Griffiths said, ‘This is a very funny story about a clean-living, sugar-avoiding vegetarian’s first experience with toffee. Great narrative voice and use of detail.’
Anjali has won $1,000, a Pilot Pen pack and a signed Andy Griffths book pack.
‘I’m really excited! For me, it’s an awesome achievement and it’s encouraged me to keep writing more stories,’ Anjali said
Barbara Oliver, from Pilot Pen Australia thanked the entrants and said the standard of entries ‘clearly shows that creative writing is alive and well in our community – a wonderful sign of hope for future generations of readers and story-tellers alike.
Anjali ’s winning entry can be read on the competition’s website.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
