Write Now!

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I recently attended the presentation of awards for the Maitland City Library’s annual Write Now! competition. The event began with an opening address by the Mayor of Maitland, Councillor Peter Blackmore who spoke of the importance of libraries and their dedicated staff in fostering a love of books and literature in our students. He acknowledged the role that reading plays in becoming an accomplished author. To be a writer you must first be a reader. Renowned local author Barry Maitland also praised students for their efforts, commenting on the high standard of this year’s entries.

Eight students from across our region’s schools were recognised. Jasmine Parish from Tenambit public school received the highly commended award for Stage 2, while Emily Foreman, Bella Maystone, Madison McDonnell, Banjo Longworth and Hannah Elliott each received participation certificates. All entries are on display at East Maitland branch library.

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One of our students met author Barry Maitland and shared her ambition of one day becoming an author.

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Congratulations Lisa!

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Lisa was presented with a highly commended certificate in Maitland City Library’s annual WRITE NOW! writing challenge. Well done Lisa!
Read Lisa’s story below.

The Light in the Forest

There it is! I see something I remember from when I was young. It was so bright and captivating, compared to the dark forest I’ve lived in for most of my life. I stare at it and then move towards it – but I take a wrong turn.

I am travelling through the forest, I have been walking my whole life. Struggling to find my way, it’s like the forest never ends. The forest is dark, gloomy and filled with wild animals, but the animals keep their distance and leave me alone.

Everything is turning dark again, and once again I cannot see anything. The forest is now opaque. I turn myself around and try to find the light, but it is gone. I turn and walk in the opposite direction, back towards my beautiful, golden light. I remember this light – I have seen it before. I have memories of my family, from before the time I was lost in the forest. My mother explained this light to me – she called it Our Sparkling Sun. Slowly, I start to understand. The light I found is the sun as it sets.

I find a safe place to sleep – among the trees where I can hide. I never know when the animals might be hunting and think I would be a delicious meal. I find it safer to move through the forest at night, when the largest and most dangerous animals are sleeping. My eyes have adjusted to the darkness. I am a nocturnal human being.

I awaken to the light shining in my face. It is so bright that I have to look away. Our Sparkling Sun is so close that I know I can reach out and touch it.

It is my mother, trying to tell me something – trying to show me the way out of the forest.