Exciting News: I’ve been shortlisted for the Kelpies Prize for Writing 2026

I’ve been keeping an exciting secret for the past couple of weeks — I’ve been shortlisted as one of just five finalists for the 2026 Kelpies Prize for Writing, and I’m still a little in shock as I write this. The shortlist was announced today, and I’m absolutely thrilled to finally be able to share the news. 

The Kelpies Prize for Writing is for writers based in Scotland who want to start a career in children’s books. It is one of Scotland’s leading competitions for new children’s writing, aiming to discover and support new voices in the field.

I’ve always loved writing and storytelling. I grew up in a house filled with books — my mum was a bookseller, and stories were part of the fabric of my childhood. I wrote fairy tales for my younger brother and created plays for my classmates to perform at school. That joy in storytelling stayed with me through university, where I joined the poetry society and spent several years immersed in writing poems and exploring language, rhythm and emotion through verse.

In more recent years, I’ve been writing puppet shows to perform at our church’s annual Christmas Fair, and one of my favourite memories working for Maths Week Scotland over the past four years is writing adventure and mystery stories featuring the Maths Week mascot ‘Finn Finity’.

When my own children were young, reading together became a daily ritual that reignited my love of children’s literature. In fact, my 11-year-old still likes me to read with him. For many years, I’ve also shared that passion here on my blog, reviewing and promoting children’s books and celebrating the authors and illustrators who inspire young readers.

My entry to the Kelpie’s Prize for Writing was for a picture book story, and is called Wee Wilma’s Big Whoosh. Set on a lively Scottish coastline of fishing boats, puffins and kite-filled skies, the story follows a small gust of wind searching for her place in the world. It’s a gentle story about belonging, recognition, and the joy of finally being seen. You can read the full extract on the Kelpies website.

I’m originally from Germany, but grew up in Scotland and now call Edinburgh home. I’ve always felt deeply connected to Scotland, and Wee Wilma’s Big Whoosh was inspired by numerous family holidays around Scotland over the years (I’ve paired some quotes from the extract with holiday photos to illustrate this blog post). It feels very rooted in places that are close to my heart, so it’s especially meaningful to see a story inspired by places I know and love take me to this point. Even if I don’t win, it’s a big honour to be shortlisted.

Becoming a children’s book author would be a next step in bringing together my lifelong love of stories, creativity, and connection with readers. My dream is to write books that spark imagination, nurture empathy, and capture the quiet magic of childhood — stories that families will want to return to again and again.

The winner of the Kelpies Prize for Writing will be announced on 18 September, so I’ve a couple of months of waiting on tenterhooks ahead of me. I hope you’ll stay with me for the journey.

If you enjoy children’s stories rooted in Scottish places, I’d love to hear from you. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for updates as the prize progresses, or check out more about my writing on Substack.