Southport writer wins international short story contest
In 2020, Beulah entered the same competition and was runner-up. This year, she entered two stories, 'Morning' and 'Bertie's'.
Not many people can write a short story of 100 words including the title, and win an international writing competition.
Talented Southport writer Beulah Harris (57) did just that with her story, ‘Morning’ and recently won £100 in the senior category of a competition run by Jon Elkon, a South African living in the United Kingdom.
Jon is also an author and has written four books.
In 2020, Beulah entered the same competition and was runner-up. This year, she entered two stories, ‘Morning’ and ‘Bertie’s’.
“While working on ‘Morning’ I found it challenging, but in a good way. I like adding a twist which the reader doesn’t see coming, it doesn’t matter whether it is a pretty story or something dark and macabre.”
The judges were impressed with her winning entry:
“All her stories submitted have the quality and feel of some of the best short story writers, including Roald Dahl and even classic writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald and O Henry. The judges agreed that it was wholly unexpected and the lead-in was masterly. Beulah is an immensely talented writer.”
Writing has been something that Beulah has been doing all her life.
“I remember being so proud in junior primary when my poems adorned the classroom wall. I still have all my certificates for creative writing, and although I was a tiny insecure little mouse, when I was on that stage reciting my work, I shone. Writing was my world 50 years ago and still is today,” she added.
So far during lockdown, Beulah has written about 80 short stories. Her writing has also earned her fans. “I have a following on my Facebook page of short story ‘groupies’ who are truly an inspiration as it so rewarding to write for them.”
She has also set a goal to have two novels published by the age of 60 by a traditional publisher. Currently she is working on a contemporary thriller.
Beulah doesn’t have a preferred time of day to write. When inspiration strikes she writes. “I can be inspired by a word or sentence or looking out of an open window at the sea.”
Not just content with writing stories, the lyrics of one of her songs has been produced by Blackbyrd – a South African pop trio from Cape Town. “It was quite the hit about seven years ago,” she said.
In her spare time she enjoys reading – as she says great readers make good writers. She also creates her own cryptic crosswords, board games and paper dolls.
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