2024 Insight creative writing publishing competition

Had the honour of being a judge for the 2024 Insight Creative Writing Publishing Competition for the year 8 category. It was such a beautifully organised event and such a great ceremony celebrating the teenage writers and giving them the opportunity to shine.

One of the most important milestones in my teenage life, and in my development as a writer, was winning a local newspaper writing competition. This opportunity bolstered my dream and was a stepping stone to becoming a professional writer.
 
I want to commend Insight for creating this opportunity for other budding writers and I especially want to commend the young people who applied themselves in writing, revising, editing, and submitting their stories.
 
Reading the final entries was a sheer pleasure and I was awed by the talent and professionalism of these entries.
 
I would now like to announce the year 8 finalists and winner for the Insight Creative Writing competition.

Here is the announcement of the winners.

And here is my judging report.

Playing Bubble Soccer by Maeve Ephraim-Taylor
A sweet story about a friendship between a girl and her dog, highlighting the joy of play.
"Your story captures the innocence and joy of companionship so beautifully. It’s a heartwarming reminder of the simple pleasures in life—wonderful work!"

Camellia by Isabella Wai Yi Luong
A beautifully written story with lush, descriptive language about a mirage or a dream. Two girls, one mirror, truth or fallacy.
"This story demonstrates a sophisticated use of imagery and symbolism, leaving the reader pondering its deeper meaning. Well done on crafting such an evocative and thought-provoking narrative!"

Haven to the Abyss by Marley Atkinson
An eloquent dystopian story highlighting the themes of sustainability and climate change, and humanity’s environmental impact.
"This story is not only well-written but also timely and relevant. It reflects a strong awareness of global issues, showcasing your ability to use fiction to address important themes."

The asteroid that never hit the Earth by Sean Jun Xiang Huang
A clever dystopian story in which a beleaguered scientist dedicates his life to saving humanity that is well plotted with a killer twist.
"Your ability to weave suspense into a gripping dystopian narrative is remarkable. The plot twist was a fantastic surprise—keep up the creativity and storytelling skills!"

The Inevitable pounce by Freya Cobb
Heartfelt story contrasting the battle of cancer to the fox hunting a rabbit, that beautifully captures coming of age and loss of innocence.
"Your metaphorical storytelling and ability to draw emotional parallels are outstanding. This is a deeply moving piece that shows great maturity and sensitivity as a writer."