Stuart Kilroy, from Thatcham writing under the pen name of S.D. Kilroy, is hoping a literary agent will discover his children’s fantasy adventure, Power Up!
Kilroy has entered the Page Turner Awards, where published and unpublished fiction and non-fiction from all genres can enter their writing to get discovered by high-profile judges from the literary world. In particular, he is hoping to an agent will be hooked by his story and offer him a publishing deal.
By day, dad of two boys, Kilroy is a digital marketer and racing enthusiast. He said his story is about a boy who survives an avalanche in Canada and realises a strange video game has given him weird god-like powers. He must work with his friends to save the world from an ancient evil, or it will be “game over.”
Why Power Up? After reading 'American Gods' by Neil Gaiman, Kilroy explored the concept of how ordinary kids, with everyday struggles and anxieties would deal with God-Like powers. Power Up! started as an idea whilst on paternity leave and developed into a labour of love over 8 years.
The main protagonist is not your normal hero. He isn't confident, popular, or sporty. He is a computer game loving, Warhammer playing introvert. He also suffers from social anxiety, panic attacks and asthma. Not your average hero.
As someone who has also suffered with anxiety in his life, Kilroy wanted to write a character with human faults who can still inspire children of all ages. Many children suffer with anxiety these days, and he wants those children to gain confidence and empowerment through the development of the characters in his book.
This story is set in a similar area to Newbury and Thatcham so Kilroy would love to have locals supporting him. Readers can vote for his submission and add any constructive feedback to the story, thus helping him improve his chances of getting noticed by the judges. Residents can vote and comment here: https://pageturnerawards.com/childrens/power
Kilroy said, “The Page Turner awards are a great way to promote unpublished stories, bringing them to the attention of a wider audience. I can't wait to hear what other kids think and feel about my characters, and how they identify with their personalities. If I win, I’d love to write more children’s stories and bring them to the local audience.”
The Page Turner Awards, sponsored by ProWritingAid, writers and authors the chance to enter unpublished or published fiction and non-fiction books, where a group of literary agents will read the work. Two writers are guaranteed to be published.
Hopefully, with feedback and votes from Thatcham and Newbury residents, Kilroy will be shortlisted or win the Writing Award.
Find out more about The Page Turner Awards: https://pageturnerawards.com. Submissions are open until 30 June 2020.
