The Jingkids team is so very grateful and impressed by the submissions that we received for our Creative Writing Competition: October Horror Stories. Every piece of writing we received showed effort, daring and of course, creativity. While we all had our favorites, we opened up the voting to you, dear readers, to decide on whose horror story was the best, and you have spoken.

The winner is 15-year-old Molly Zhang, for her gripping narrative “Steak”! If you hadn’t read her story yet, you can do so here.

After reading that account, I think some of us might consider becoming vegetarian.

Molly has won a gift certificate worth RMB 998 to the fabulous afternoon tea at Beijing’s 5-star Rosewood Hotel, as well as one-of-a-kind Halloween pastries worth over RMB 300 from our generous sponsor Comptoirs de France.

We spoke to Molly over WeChat to tell her the news, and ask her how she felt about winning, as well as her inspiration for this dark tale…

JKI: Congratulations, Molly! How do you feel about winning the contest?

Molly: “I feel really proud about winning this creative writing contest as I’ve always been interested in horror novels.”

JKI: It definitely shows! What gave you the idea for your story?

Molly: “I’ve read multiple Stephen King and Agatha Christie books and they inspired me to create my short story. I’ve waited for the day to create my own world of horror and feel so honored to be able to share my vision. I believe that horror brings about a different reality – one filled with intrigue and other possibilities…”

JKI: Certainly! So who will you bring with you to the afternoon tea at the Rosewood Hotel?

Molly: “My mom and dad!”

While Molly’s at tea with her parents, that’s the perfect opportunity for her to take a photo of their shared meal together and submit it for our November “Most Memorable Meal” Photo Contest! This time around, the winner will receive a gift voucher to a free buffet, as well as a studio photography class with one of Beijing’s family-friendly professional photographers! So come on and send us your photos and a short description to win! More contest details are available here.

KEEP READING: Had a Memorable Meal This Year? Share It for a Chance to Win Prizes!

Images: Pexels

Four years ago we recruited a group of teen writers and created the first Teen Takeover issue. Since then, it’s become an annual tradition here at Jingkids to let the city’s teens write an entire issue of the magazine.

This year we’re going even one step further and hiring an entire teen editorial team for the annual Teen Takeover issue. We’re hiring for a teen Managing Editor, Deputy Managing Editor, Section Editors, and Photographers to put together the issue. This will give you first-hand experience in creating an entire magazine from scratch. Don’t worry, the Jingkids team will be here to help every step of the way. You’ll strategize, conceptualize, interview, write, and edit – and at the end, you’ll see your efforts come to life in a very tangible way with our annual Teen Takeover issue, the perfect addition to your college application.

Our 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 editions covered a wide range of issues such as sports, nutrition, WeChat hacks, cooking, cultural identity, technology in the classroom, and much much more. They have provided invaluable experience to other Beijing middle and high schoolers and gave our readership great insight into what makes Beijing teens tick.

Requirements:

• Currently in middle or high school (from age 12 up)
• Have a keen insight into teenage life in Beijing
• Well-informed about news and issues affecting expat and local communities
• Social and outgoing
• Creative and enthusiastic
• Able to work without much supervision

To Apply:

• Send your CV and writing sample to minayan@beijing-kids.com or WeChat ID Wilhelmina87 no later than 5pm on May 24.

KEEP READING: Dive Into the Latest Issue of Jingkids

Images: Jingkids