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My experience of the 500 words competition was amazing. The first thing I had to do was write the story. My story was called Cake Wars. Before writing the story I had to plan it. It was very difficult thinking of ideas of how to destroy cakes, describe the story and the old ladies. I thought of familiar subjects and how to put a twist on them. I loved doing it.

Emily Potts, Bronze winner, age 5-9 category 2015

I was handed my own published book with my story in and my name on in gold letters, and a bronze medal with my name on

Emily

Next, I wrote story in a draft. So I took the ideas from my plan and made them into full sentences. After that I edited it, changing the words and making my work better. This was the hardest part! Then, after reading through it, I sent it off. I was scared!

Weeks after I found out! I was in the second round. I jumped for joy!

I found out I was in final when my mum showed me my story on the internet. At first I didn’t understand why they had recorded my story, but then I read the email that said I had made the final fifty and I could go to St. James’s Palace and meet The Duchess of Cornwall, Chris Evans and lots of celebrities!

The final was getting closer, and it started to sink in. I got really excited! We had to go clothes shopping and I had a buy a posh dress.

I got to St. James's palace. It was beautiful, with huge paintings of men on horses! Also we saw a room full of weapons decorating the walls. After we sat down we had fun as Chris Evans made us laugh as we rehearsed. It made me feel excited and less nervous.

During the final I had an amazing time, but I did not expect to win. When Sally Hawkins said my name I felt really surprised and extremely happy. I had small interview with Alex Jones asking me how I felt - I felt really shy and then Sally Hawkins read out my story. During Sally’s reading of the story I was happy to hear people laughing at my work. Sally did the voices of the old ladies and everyone laughed and cheered. I felt really proud of myself. Sally read it really well and she made it sound like we were really at the village fete.

When I shyly went onto stage, I was handed my own published book with my story in and my name on in gold letters, and a bronze medal with my name on. Everyone clapped and cheered and my mum was clapping and smiling like she had won a million pounds.

I loved the experience. When I got home I found a huge box of books the same height as me! I will always remember it and I am writing another story right now!