Daniel Thistlewaite has a magic way with words – which led to him being crowned one of the winners of the Sheffield Short Story Competition 2020.
Daniel, is a member of our learning disability self-advocacy group Sheffield Voices- and has been attending their online group meetings since lockdown started in March.
Kathryn Littlewood, an author and member of Sheffield Authors and Disability Sheffield staff member urged Sheffield Libraries to hold a special category for people with learning disabilities and autism in their annual short story competition in order to make it more inclusive. Daniel’s entry The History Of Sheffield And The Day I Met My Girlfriend was voted best out of these.
“It was a tough call and there were many wonderful entries,” said Kathryn. “Daniel always makes everyone at the group laugh with his stories and jokes.”
Daniel has been attending the new Magic Pen writing group, which is a collaboration between Disability Sheffield and Burton Street Foundation. The group is now supported by a new Sheffield University volunteer, Emilie, who works alongside Anne. The meetings take place on Fridays between 11-12am.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Magic Pen Writing Group or hearing more about Sheffield Voices please contact Kathryn by email at kathryn.littlewood@disabilitysheffield.org.uk or on 0773 4856006
