Young writer inspired by galactic tales

An eight-year-old boy will become a published author after his success in a creative-writing compeition.

John Samye was not happy with what he had written in school, despite giving up a break-time to finish his story, so wrote another one at home instead.

His dedication paid off as his 100-word story, Luke’s Adventures, was successful in the national Toy Stories competition for children that received more than 25,000 entries.

Luke’s Adventures will now be included in an East Midlands anthology of stories that were the pick of the bunch from the region, earning John a certificate and a limited edition bookmark.

It was the first time his school, Manners Sutton primary, Averham, had entered and it could also be in line for a prize.

Toy Stories — The East Midlands is due for publication on April 30 of this year, priced £15.99.

Luke’s Adventure’s is a Star Wars-based story.

John said: “It feels great. I cannot believe I won. It is really cool.

“It said to write about toys so I picked one of my favourite ones, which is a Luke Skywalker figure.”

'I want to write more stories'

John said he was pleased other children would be reading his story.

“I think when I see it in print I will be shocked and happy that I’m seeing my first illustrated book,” he said.

“I want other children to be happy that they have got some stories to read, and one of them is mine.

“I want to write more stories now.”

Next up for John is an entry into the the world’s biggest short-story writing competition for youngsters, the BBC Radio 2 500 words competition in which he will be hoping for similar success.

John’s form teacher, Mr Andy Jackson, said: “It was an open competition that the children were to submit a piece of writing for.

“After they had finished, they were given the afternoon to write them up in their best handwriting.

“John decided he was not happy with what he had done in school so he did another one at home.

“I am so proud of him. He gave it 110%.

“He will be a published author at the age of eight. I am blown away by that.”