91̽��

Catherine Newell wrote her winning  short story Kinderspel in Dutch. 'I used to write stories when I was younger, but not so much recently', Catherine says modestly. 'It took me about two weeks to complete the text and then because my flatmate wanted to read it too.' She wins an i-pad, €250 worth in books, and she is invited to put forward a second story.

Kinderspel describes a pivotal moment in the life of Abigail, who reaches a point of no return during a trip to rethink the relationship with her childhood boyfriend.

The jury deemed Newell’s language 'beautiful' and 'clear’, described the text as 'musical', and the story as 'carefully constructed'. 'No detail is without meaning, such as the bag with the text ‘Jesus loves all children’ still faintly readable.'

Write Now! is a literary writing competition with a long history and a big reputation in the Netherlands and Flanders. For over twenty years Write Now! has helped young artists to kick-start their writing career. However, it was only for the 2020 edition that an international element was added: Write Now! Worldwide

Thirteen aspiring authors from Russia, China, Germany, Poland, Suriname and more, sent in their texts, which prompted author and jury member Lisa Weeda to exclaim: ‘Such distances, such texts, such pluck to send us your stories and poetry in Dutch”. And indeed, to have the ambition, drive and the guts to enter a writing competition is remarkable enough, but to do so in Dutch with less than two years' experience in the language, is nothing short of extraordinary. At 91̽�� we are very proud of Catherine's achievement.