Showcase Archive October 2009

“Talking About Details” by Lindsey Simpson (10-12)

Throughout summer break I read lots of books and I noticed there were a lot of details in each book I read. I didn’t care about details when I wrote stories before, but now I like to pay attention to details. I’ve learned to put more details into my stories. Thanks to reading all summer break, I have improved my writing skills.

Paige says: “Concrete details are very important to any story or poem. Thanks for pointing out the importance of details, Lindsey! I’m so glad that you took the time to read during your summer break. Reading extensively is one of the best ways for a writer to grow.”

“My Notebook” by Haylie Jo Gregory (13-16)

The notebook by my bed has been an aid for me as a writer. It has helped my growth by giving me exceptional ideas for stories. I have had dreams that I thought would make a good story, but I had always forgotten them by morning. A friend of mine had the same problem and suggested that I keep a notebook by my bed so that I could write down the thoughts and ideas from my dreams.

One night, I had a dream about a haunted masquerade that I most definitely did not want to forget. So I quickly threw off my covers and tried to get to my notebook in time to capture my dream. In the process of getting to my notebook, I slipped on a CD case, kicked my poor cat, Bobbi (to whom I yelled an apology), and hit my head on my closet door which all ended in a loud crash. I got to my notebook in time to remember all of my dream, but where was my pen? My pen! I got down on my hands and knees looking for my pen, wishing I had a flashlight. Frustration began to consume me. Finally I found my pen. I then wrote down all of what I could remember, but not my entire dream. So I suggest you keep a notebook by your bed if you have the same problem as I did, but I also suggest that you keep your pen in the spiral binding of your notebook.

Paige says: “Thanks for sharing that humorous story, Haylie! Every writer should keep a notebook or a file full of story ideas. I’m glad you’ve discovered the value of saving each bit of inspiration that comes your way.”

Showcase Archive August 2009

“The Best Story Ever” Contest Winners

“Christie” by Rachel Maddox (10-12)

“Legacy” by Emily Harris (13-16)

Showcase Archive June 2009

“The Clock Chimes Two”
(10-12)

“Bong… bong.”

The city clock chimes two a.m. A dark cloaked figure runs along the cobblestone streets of colonial Boston. The clock startles her and she quickly turns around. She is the daughter of a loyalist who is a city official.

Clothed in a night shift and a heavy woolen cloak, she clutches a bundle to her chest. Fear crosses her face. Has someone seen her? Is someone following her? Where she goes is a mystery, but two lives hang in the balance.

Collin Anne Suttle (13-16)

Holly crouched beneath the bush with which she shared her name. The bright red berries threatened to distract her from what was just ahead on the path, but Holly forced herself to face forward. She shivered slightly, the snow on her hands making her entire body shake. Holly ignored it, or tried to, and watched Justin make his way through the winter landscape. Was that a green stone he was holding?

Showcase Archive April 2009

“Spring Play”
by Laura Morris (10-12)

Sun is shining,
Skies of blue,
Sweet, fresh buds,
The morning dew.

Lovely tulips,
Green, green grass,
Leafy trees—
Snow! I think I’ll pass.

Jackets off!
Let’s go play,
Run outside
It’s a beautiful day.

Play hide-and-go-seek,
Tag, you’re it!
Run, run as fast as you can,
Come on, don’t quit.

Next, we jump rope,
Come on, jump fine,
Keep on jumping,
While we sing a rhyme.

We had so much fun,
On that warm spring day,
We relaxed on the grass,
And there we lay.

I heard mother call,
“No more play,”
But how could I be sad,
On such a beautiful day.

“Snow”
by Ethan McGuire (13-16)

Snow is wonderful as it falls around;
Like autumn leaves as they glide to the ground.

Snow cloaks the earth in a furry gown;
White-woven water falling down.

Fast it’s descent into an earthy pit.
Steady it fell into an empty shell.

A mother sweeps the snow. Swoosh! Swoosh!
A child speeds down the hill. Whoosh! Whoosh!

Showcase Archive February 2009

Anaphora

10-12 category
Abby Weatherholtz

“Who Made It?”

“Who made the sun to shine bright each day?
And who made the colors from yellow to gray?
Who made the stars and sprinkled them high?
And who made the birds to fly ‘cross the sky?
Who made the plants to grow and to grow?
And who made the moon—in the nighttime to glow?
Who made the rain to pour down or sprinkle?
And who made the seas in the sunlight to twinkle?
Who made the heavens, the earth, and the sky?
God did—I know—and I lift Him on high.
God made these all in a length of days—seven,
And now He reigns on high up in heaven.

13-16 Category
None