Costa Short Story
22 January 2015
A Cardiff University Creative Writing graduate has made the shortlist for the 2014 Costa Short Story.
Joanne Meek is one of six authors shortlisted for the prize for her short story Jellyfish, which tells the story of a woman who returns with her children to the coast she once called home.
Joanne, who completed her MA in Creative Writing at the University's School of English, Communication and Philosophy last year, says: "The story I entered in the Costa short story competition looks closely at human interaction. I find my writing hugely influenced by relationships, communication and place.
"The MA in Creative Writing at Cardiff University definitely gave me the confidence to enter the competition. Learning to closely edit my work enabled me to polish my story to a suitable standard for submission. Meeting the guest lecturers was greatly inspirational and my peer group offered valuable support."
Joanne graduated with a BA honours degree in English Language and Communication in 2009, having first made contact with the University through an Access course.
Launched in 2012 the Costa Short Story Award is open to public vote, drawn from the six shortlisted stories selected by five judges. The 2014 winner and two runners-up are to be announced on 27 January 2015.