Her story My Girl was judged best out of a record 2,100 entries from more than 30 countries, 
with writers from as far afield as New Zealand, Brazil, India, Canada, USA and South Africa submitting their work.
Emily, who is also doing a PhD in Creative Writing with the OU, wins £1,000 plus a £150 Waterstones gift card. Her story will be published in Venue Magazine and Bristol Review of Books, as well as the Bristol Short Story Prize Anthology Volume 4.
‘My Girl is an evocative story, beautifully written, and with an internal rhythm that matches its setting, the boxing ring,’ said Bristol Prize Judge Tania Hershmann. ‘This winning story “floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee,” as Muhammed Ali famously said.’
Emily says, ‘I feel privileged that my writing caught the attention of the judges. As a writer, it is a great reward to know you have connected with readers.’
Emily is based in the OU’s London region, where she teaches A215 Creative Writing.
Emily’s personal website.