Christie magic may yet carry Anna to London

Anna Killick has won an Agatha Christie writing competition and is fundraising to meet Agatha Christie's grandson Mathew at a special dinner in London.

Anna Killick from Tauranga has won a prestigious international writing competition. The challenge was to write a chapter in the style of best-selling author and Anna's hero, Agatha Christie. She has been invited to London to claim her prize, and is fundraising hard to make it happen.

"I've been living and breathing Agatha Christie since I was about 14. I just love the worlds and the characters she has created," Anna says.

"Having read 76 of her 80 published works, I could only dream of being able to write anything like she did."

When Anna found out that Harper Collins and the official Agatha Christie website were holding a Write Your Own Christie competition, she simply put her fingers to the keyboard.

"I had an absolutely amazing time writing it. It almost felt like being in her shoes," Anna says.

"When I found out I had won, I was over the moon.

"Sometimes, dreams really do come true."

The judges attributed Anna's win to her interesting approach and attention to detail and said that they were particularly impressed by her ending. Mathew Prichard, Agatha Christie's grandson, commented that Anna's entry had elements of Agatha Christie's own style and for Anna, there is no greater compliment.

The prize is a literary dinner with Agatha Christie's grandson and Harper Collins judges, and it would mean the world to Anna if she could attend. Unfortunately, she doesn't have the funds for flights and accommodation.

Anna has seen many dreams wither and die, and many opportunities did not come to fruition because of her on-going health issues.

"Not long after I finished school, I developed depression, severe anxiety, insomnia and a host of other issues. I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, and have never fully recovered," Anna says.

A page for online donations has been set up at www.givealittle.co.nz.

Anna is "incredibly grateful" to those who have made donations, and asks people to include their contact details so she can refund them if for any reason the trip doesn't go ahead.