Global Classroom Creative Writing Anthology 2015
Lower Secondary
JUDGE’S
Lower Secondary
WRITING
Lower Secondary Judge’s Thoughts
Andy Briggs
“Writing stories that capture the reader’s imagination is not an easy trick. Whether it’s a book, a poem, the lyrics to a song or a
film script, weaving emotions onto a page requires certain skills and an abundance of imagination. I was delighted when I was
approached to judge this creative writing competition. When I read the final selection of stories, I was shocked. The range of
talented authors from schools around the world was truly impressive.
Back in ancient times, my love of reading initially came from comics. Daredevil, Spiderman, X-Men - they were all titles I couldn’t
get enough of. I swiftly made the leap to more weighty tomes - such as The Hobbit and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Lost World. I
plundered my local libraries for more treats and it was from that point that my imagination exploded across the page and I started
writing my own stories. I recall going to book signings and nervously asking the author to sign their latest book, which was clenched
in my sweaty palms. I wanted to ask them the secrets of writing. Tell them how I wanted to be a writer more than anything (except,
perhaps, being an astronaut) and tell them how much their work had inspired me... but I didn’t. I just shyly slid my book on the
table, wore a silly grin as I watched them sign it, then mumbled my thanks and shuffled away...
These days I can still scarcely believe that my dream of being a professional writer came true. I can’t stress what a fun job it is.
However, when reading the stories I was asked to judge I began to wonder, “was I this good when I was their age?” Most writers will
tell you that we are all plagued by nagging doubts about whether our work is good enough, but in this case I came to the conclusion that, no, I don’t think I was as
good. That quickly led me to another train of thought - I could well be reading the work of somebody who is set to become a hugely successful author. If that is the
case, I hope they remember me when I’m lining up to ask them to sign their new book for me. Maybe this time I won’t just mumble my thanks and shuffle away...”
Andy Briggs
Andy Briggs writes comics, TV shows, films and books - including the popular Hero.com and Villain.net series and the rebooted Tarzan books for young readers. His latest
books include Spy Quest: Polybius - a unique story that interacts with an online spy game, and a brand new series, coming in January 2016, The Inventory.
The Gettysburg Battlefield
CHOICE
‘This is a beautifully atmospheric story that invokes the despair of war through powerful descriptions that stir vivid imagery in the reader’s
imagination. The atmosphere builds before the narrative reveals itself as a ghost story, immersing the reader firmly in the action. The final
paragraph is both poignant and harrowing.’
Long rows of white, ongoing as far as the eye can reach. They mark the graves of the men who died here. The trees sway sadly, like you see after a large storm has ravaged
the land. They brush silently, keeping beat with the wind. The fields blossom with wildflowers, fertilized by the blood of thousands of men. The wind blows as I wander
through the forgotten fields. The cold air surges through me silently. The grass is green, hiding the bodies of men who perished. The sun is setting over the fields, its
violent orange rays plummeting into the horizon.
It’s dark now. The sun has gone from the valley. The cannons stand guard soundlessly over the meadow. The battle has long ended but its scars have been left behind.
An old oak tree sits on the field holes scattered around the tree trunk. Bullets have ripped her to shreds, only a lifeless trunk sits here today. The bright wildflowers
shimmer in the moon light, their orange leaves b