Stories about rugby, bats, abductions, penguins and fish with no fins were all winners in the Ashburton Writers’ Group short story competition.
The winners were Zach Walton (under 11), Rhianne Ancheta (12 -15 years), and Helene Dolan (adult).
Group spokesman Coby Snowden said the standard of entries was very high. Six members had the arduous task of reading entries and shortlisting finalists for chief judge Julie Moffett.
Moffett said the arts were “highly subjective”, and what was considered good or great, was based on personal taste and one’s own view of the world.
“I look at a writing competition as a way for those who like playing with words to give themselves a project – the project is one of looking inwards – and outwards.
“…Most importantly (thinking), what will the reader get out of these marks I’ve made on a page?” Moffett said.
“Place-getters in the competition displayed an ability to gain my attention, speak to my heart or mind, to have revealed a little of themselves, and to try looking at things from a different perspective.
“Then, of course there was an ability to use their pure imagination and capture that in words that become marks on a page – or screen,” Moffett said.
In presenting the awards, district councillor Carolyn Cameron said writing was a courageous act that required perseverance, resilience and considerable focus.
‘‘Your stories remind us that even in this world dominated by digital noises, the written word remains a powerful tool for authentically, understanding and connections whether you have just started writing or have been writing for years.
‘‘Your voice matters and you have taken the time to observe, feel and to translate these experiences into something lasting,” Cameron said.
Results: Under 11: first Do you play rugby? by Zach Walton; second Betty the bat, by Quinn Horrell; and third It’s totally normal to get abducted, right?, by Emily Irving.
12-15-yrs: first Disregarding, by Rhianne Ancheta; second Where the lanterns lead, by Faye Emma Blom; and third The tuxedo penguin, by Annaleigh Rankin.
Adults: first Rupert, by Helene Dolan; second I thought healing would feel like sunlight, by Lauren Hocking; and third A fish with no fins, by Lucas Brady.
For the third year in a row Ashburton Intermediate School won the award for school with the most entries.
