Halesowen writer pens a winner (From Halesowen News)

Halesowen writer pens a winner

10:26am Tuesday 19th July 2011 in Local

PROLIFIC Halesowen writer Joan Blundell has had a piece of prose selected from thousands of entries to be published in an anthology of the best six.

The 66-year-old retired secretary impressed judges with her anecdotal tale called Black Country Ladies, which scooped the true life section of the book Writers of the Year 2011.

The annual contest, run by United Press, aims to find the most talented and unique amateur writers from across the country.

Mrs Blundell, of Howley Grange Road, who has had many poems published in anthologies, said she was “really pleased” her work had been selected for the book.

“My piece illustrates the humour, wit and personality that’s characteristic of Black Country people, particularly ladies,” she said, adding: “Mr writing is anecdotal, I write from experience not imagination celebrating ordinary, everyday life.”

A United Press spokesman said: “There are only six winners in this UK-wide competition so it’s a great honour to be chosen.”

Mrs Blundell’s success has spurred her on to collate many of her scribblings accumulated over several years into a book for the publishing company’s novel competition.