Creativity at its finest in a potting shed

First time writer Siân Reeves from Cradoc near Brecon, has been announced as the winner of BBC Radio Cymru's Y Celfyddydau short story competition.

She is awarded first prize of £1,000 and her work will now be published in Welsh language magazine Golwg and on the BBC Cymru'r Byd website (www.bbc.co.uk/cymru). This is the first time that Siân, 39, originally from Cardiff and who now lives in Cradoc near Brecon, has competed in a writing competition even though she's been keeping a diary for many years.

Siân was up against tough competition from more than 100 other stories, judged by well known literary figures Aled Islwyn, Robin Llywelyn and Angharad Price. Siân says: "I've always written for myself.

"In the critique, Aled Islwyn says that I write in an instinctive way, and I think that's true. I write when I feel like writing... "But I never considered writing for other people to read – I never thought I was good enough!"

Aled Islwyn says: "While the number of people who choose to read Welsh language texts is declining, it's interesting to see that there isn't a lack of authors who choose to express themselves in their mother tongue.

"Even though the number of themes was limited, it was interesting to read the variety of styles and standards.

"A number of talented authors came to light and there's certainly plenty to be proud of."

Hopefully Siân's use of the prize money will inspire more writing, and also encourage her two children to put pen to paper.

"I'm delighted to have won the prize," says Siân.

"With two children, it won't be difficult to spend the money!

"The most sensible idea so far is to buy a potting shed – a writing shed. My son, also loves to write a bit, so I'm sure it'll be a family writing hut."

As well as being a housewife, Siân is a part-time Welsh teacher at Christ College, Brecon, where her husband is Head of Physics.

About The Author:

Mark Harris is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.garden-n-storage-sheds.com. Build yourself a gazebo, tool shed, potting shed, greenhouse, bridge, or outdoor garden & storage shed using free building plans found online.