Creative writer Rebecca has work published

A first year English student at Birkenhead Sixth Form College has had some of her poetry published as part of a collection of the best submissions for a national competition.

Rebecca Riley’s writing was chosen above thousands of other entries into the Young Writers’ Poetry Escape competition, with her piece now published as part of a compendium of the top works from this year’s entries.

Currently in its 27^th year, the Young Writers’ Poetry Escape received over 8000 entries in 2019, making Rebecca’s achievements all the more remarkable.

Rebecca explained: “I started writing when I was 13 and I’ve tended to keep it to myself. Some people have a diary but my diary is poetry. It’s always been secret but this competition was an opportunity to get it out there.

“It feels amazing to be a published writer now! I can’t believe it, although I’m fairly confident about writing. Whenever someone compliments me about anything, I tend to not believe them, but it feels alright when it’s about poetry.”

On her plans for the future, Rebecca, who studies Law and Health & Social Care alongside English Literature, said: “I want to be an English teacher, but I’d like to keep writing. I know it’s really difficult to get into writing professionally so maybe doing it alongside another job might be the thing to do.”

Rebecca’s English teacher, Chris Moss, said: “Rebecca’s success in this Young Writers’ Competition is a feat that should be celebrated. It’s an amazing honour for any writer to have their work published, and it’s particularly impressive when that writer is under the age of 18! Rebecca’s positivity and ambition will no doubt lead her on to a successful future and she should be very proud of herself.”

For more on studying English Literature at Birkenhead Sixth Form College, click here.