Best of the best for creative writing student

A talented creative writing student from Edge Hill University has been chosen to have her work featured in the Best British Short Stories 2011.

The exciting new series to be published on 15^th April is edited by author Nicholas Royle and brings together the best short stories published by British writers during the last year. It has been described as a ‘real treasure trove' for anyone who enjoys reading this genre of writing.

This is the first time that Claire Massey has ever had one of her short stories published in a book and her work will be featured alongside established and award-winning writers including Leone Ross, Adam Marek and Michele Roberts.

The mother-of-two from Chorley, who is currently studying for a Masters Degree in Creative Writing at the University, said: "When I heard my work was going to be featured in this book, I didn't believe it at first until I got through the contract and then I saw the list of other authors who were to be featured too. There are so many famous names in the book whose work I really admire and look up to, so to have my story shown alongside theirs is amazing and very exciting."

Her story, Feather Girls, is based on folklore and depicts the tale of swans who take off their feathers and turn into women. Traditionally, men steal their feather coats to trap them into marriage. In Claire's story the protagonist doesn't want to trap the woman he is in love with.

"It's a tragic love story because, in reality, they can never be together. It is almost like a fairytale with a contemporary twist," explained Claire.

"The short story is my favourite genre of writing and stems from my previous work on fairytales. I really love writing short fiction for adults.  I take my inspiration from any odd things I see in everyday life and then distort it. My stories are usually strange or disturbing."

Claire has always been interested in writing and has really flourished since starting the MA course at Edge Hill.

"I love the course because I feel that I'm finally allowed to write without feeling guilty and that people take me seriously. It's also a great way to meet other writers and speak about our work or share ideas."

She is already reaping the rewards of persevering with her writing ambitions and later this year she will see her work appear in two other books.

The Thackery T. Lambshead Cabinet of Curiosities, edited by Ann and Jeff VanderMeer is out in June. The other book is called Murmurations: An Anthology of Uncanny Stories About Birds, edited by Nicholas Royle and is out in October. Both will feature Claire's short stories.