Asia Literary Review competition finalist Christina Westwood

Christina Westwood, Head of Modern Languages at Ellesmere College has been shortlisted for the final of a prestigious international essay writing competition.

One of five finalists in the Asia Literary Review competition, it is open to candidates of any nationality and from any country.

The competition concentrates on a selection of three short stories by Korean writer Kim Ae-ran, published by the Asia Literary Review, and required candidates to write an essay in no more than 1,500 words commenting on the works.

Christina said: "I am delighted to have been chosen as one of the five shortlisted finalists. At the end of June, the five finalists will pitch their essays to the judging panel at a special event at the Korean Cultural Centre on the Strand in Central London, and mine will be delivered by the Asia Literary Review's Managing Director - so fingers crossed! It came as a shock to me to be shortlisted in this essay competition as it is the first time I have entered but it is a wonderful surprise. I enjoyed working on the short stories of a versatile author who definitely deserves a wider readership."

Kim Ae-ran has been recognised through a number of awards for her work and is considered the rising star of the Korean literary scene. The competition called for ideas on three works: The Youngest Parents with the Oldest Child, A Dignified Silence and Where Would You Like To Go, focusing on techniques and elements of style, what message the author is trying to pass on about the lives of young people in Korean society and whether her writing is effective.

The winner of the competition will go on to attend a private dinner with Kim Ae-ran, who will be in London as part of a UK visit. The judging panel will be made up of academics and professional editors, with each one an expert on contemporary Korean literature.

Headmaster at Ellesmere College, Brendan Wignall, said: "I am very proud of Christina's achievements. She has a keen interest in this subject and clearly an excellent writing style too. We are thrilled for her that she has made the final and believe she is an inspiration to pupils at Ellesmere College."

29th June 2018  Back to News