I’m a Tulsa Kid: Tess Fineran

Owasso sixth grader wins Young Peoples’ Creative Writing Contest.

Owasso sixth-grader Tess Fineran put her imagination to work when she wrote “Food Giant,” a story about life on an imaginary planet. Her 20-page story won first place in the Tulsa City-County Library’s 2014 Young Peoples’ Creative Writing Contest for students ages 10-12. Tess won in the Short Story category. Along with writing, Tess enjoys math class, acting in church theater productions and playing the clarinet and the ukulele at school.

TK: How did you come up with the idea for your short story  “Food Giant”?

Tess: I got the idea for “Food Giant” in fourth grade when my teacher asked me to write a story about a made-up planet. While the other students wrote two pages for their stories, I wanted to make a good impression about my writing and show my teacher how much I enjoy putting my ideas on paper, so I wrote 20 pages. Mom wasn’t too thrilled when I asked her to type it up the night before it was due. She actually asked me to stop adding to the story because she’d never get it all typed up on time. Now imagine me having to read 20 pages to my class. I chose the story because it’s one of my favorites and I didn’t want it to go to waste.

TK: Do you spend time writing outside of school assignments?

Tess: I now spend time writing outside of school when I find the free time or something inspires me to do so, but I’m pretty busy these days with school, band and the play, and can’t always find the time.

TK: What was your reaction when you found out “Food Giant” won first place in your category in the Tulsa City/County Library’s Young Peoples’ Creative Writing Contest?

Tess: When I found out I won first place, I was so excited, and I think my mom was more excited than me. It was the first time I’ve ever won an award, and I did it on my own.

TK: Who are some of your favorite authors to read?

Tess: Some of my favorite authors include Lemony Snicket and Garth Stein. My all-time favorite books are Racing in the Rain or The Great Unexpected written by Sharon Creech.