Media release: Competition joy for new mum

Hannah MacFarlane was last week unveiled as the winner of Scripture Union’s writing competition, and then revealed that she almost didn’t enter!

Hannah, part of a church plant in Oxford, saw Scripture Union’s search for new writers advertised on the Internet, but didn’t think she would have enough time to submit her synopsis before the competition deadline. ‘I didn’t learn about the competition until quite late and I really wanted to enter, but with a new-born baby to look after I wasn’t sure I would get it finished in time,’ said Hannah, 26. ‘It was only when my husband encouraged me to do it that I set about getting it done!’

‘For a few months, my days consisted of looking after my daughter and fitting in some writing while she slept! I knew I’d got through to the final three, but then went on holiday, so it was a nervous wait to find out if I’d won. When I discovered I had, it was so exciting!’

Hannah’s winning entry is based on Exodus, exploring themes of being holy and trusting in God and his protection. As part of the competition prize, the book will be published by Scripture Union in the Xstream fiction range for 8 to 11s in September. ‘The standard of entries was very high, but Hannah’s definitely stood out as a piece of great writing with an engaging storyline and biblical integrity,’ said Alex Taylor, Scripture Union’s Commissioning Editor for Children’s and Youth Resources.

The competition was set up to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the original writing competition won by Patricia St John, who went on to become Scripture Union’s most successful author in history.

[Notes to Newsdesk]

1) For more information or to interview Hannah, please contact Scripture Union’s Communications Manager Adam Petrie on 01908 856030 or email adamp@scriptureunion.org.uk

2) Hi-res images available on request

3) Scripture Union is an international mission organisation working with churches and individuals in more than 140 countries through schools work, holidays and missions, published materials and community projects.