Watch Out J. K. Rowling!

Our Jessica recently won a local writing contest for kids 18 and under, the object of which was to write a fictional story in 100 words or less. We're very proud of her! Below is a copy of the story as well as the interview posted in the Acorn (our local weekly). Jessica won $50 for her trouble. Not bad for 30 minutes work!

A Comet in the Night

I moved swiftly through the forest, midnight approaching. I was following smooth indentations in the moist ground. They were unmistakable: unicorn tracks. My mother's grave illness could only be cured by the hair of a unicorn. The task was impossible, but unavoidable. I came to a clearing in the forest. She was there. The magnificent creature was lying under a willow. I darted forward toward her tail. She shot off like a comet. No! A tear trickled down my cheek. I opened my fist, to reveal a single strand of glistening hair. "Thank you. . ." I whispered into the black night.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessica Wall wants to be a writer of fiction when she grows up, and the Oak Park 11 year old already is on her way. Jessica's entry tied for first place in The Acorn's "Fiction in a Nutshell" under18 category.

Jessica said she was surprised to win. The Medea Creek Middle School sixth-grader wrote her story in 30 minutes the night before the deadline.

"I didn't think I stood a chance," she said.

Jessica credits her second and fourth grade teachers at Brookside Elementary School with encouraging and helping her develop her writing skills.

"Mrs. Keane inspired me to write and Mrs. Stromquist made me a good writer, teaching me how to write descriptively," Jessica said.

Jessica is an avid reader who loves adventure, mystery and fantasy books. Her favorite book is "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets."

"When I read it makes me feel like I'm in a different world. I can be flying on a magic carpet or battling a ferocious monster," she said.