Published writing

24 June Week 3 - Survival

First name, first letter of surname
Emma S
Age
13
Even though it seemed hopeless, Breeze felt like there was more to this place than met the eye. She took herself off on a walk, going nowhere in particular. The wind blowing in her hair, she sauntered through the clusters of pine trees. “Still here?” she heard Gust’s voice behind her. “Yes,” she said confidently, turning to face him. “I’m… not giving up.” Breeze surprised herself with this answer. She was usually a quitter, and pretty impatient. But she wanted to belong with someone, and it was that which motivated her to keep going. “Ugh,” Gust moaned. “If you’re really that determined to snoop around here, follow me.” Breeze smiled. Finally, she wasn’t being brushed aside. Gust led her along a twisting path, knowing every bush, tree, and stone. At last, they reached a maze of dark, rocky caves. “In here,” Gust told her, passing her a flaming torch. “It’s safe.” Breeze was sceptical. Could she really trust him? I’ve risked so much already, she thought. I guess I’ve got nothing to lose now. Lyre cooed anxiously at Breeze’s ear. Breeze stroked her. “It’s okay.” she whispered. They entered cautiously. Breeze looked around her. Towering, dark cave walls loomed high above ...
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27 July 2022, Week 1: Where to?

First name, first letter of surname
Emma S
Age
13
Breeze’s Quest Breeze stared up into the sky, her ashy blonde hair blowing in the wind. Her eyes were wide with curiosity, the full moon glowing brightly behind her. She let out a wistful sigh and floated deeper into dreamland. “Breeze! Dinner!” The loud call broke her train of thought. Blinking fast in shock, the girl strode back out of the woods into her house. “How long were you back, Ma?” she asked as she entered. “At least forty minutes,” the elder woman replied, setting a clay bowl of lentil soup in front of Breeze. “I tried calling you, but you were in too much of a daze.” Breeze giggled bashfully. All her life she had been called “a dreamer” by everyone in her village, and it was true. A dusky brown barn owl came swooping in through the open window, and landed on a perch near the table. “Welcome home, Lyre.” Breeze greeted the fowl, stroking her speckled feathers. Lyre chirped happily and began gnawing on the raw mouse meat that was placed in front of her. Just as the maker of the meal sat down, a knock on the door interrupted her. She rose to her feet and opened it. “Good evening, Myrrh,” said a stout man in a silk scarf. “Thank you again for your ...
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15 June Week 4 - Back to the future

First name, first letter of surname
Emma S
Age
13
Learning I'm Lucky “Have you finished packing, Marie?” my mama called. “Almost,” I replied. I was going to stay at my grandma’s house for the weekend while my papa and two brothers went on a guys only camping trip. I hate camping. I threw my books into my backpack. Why, why was my school presentation due on Monday? I really wanted to see my grandma but I would have to probably spend a lot of time studying. “Okay, I’m ready!” I shouted, walking out of my room and into the front garden. “Goodbye, sweetheart,” whispered Mama, embracing me firmly. “Bye, Mama!” I smiled. *** “Bonjour, ma chérie!” smiled Grandma as I entered the living room. "Bonjour, Grandma!” I replied. “I’ve got a pot of onion soup on the stove,” she said. The tantalising smell wafted into my nostrils. “Yum! Merci, Grandma!” I grinned. Grandma smiled and sat down on an old, comfy sofa. “How is school?” she asked politely. I sat down next to her on the sofa as I thought back through the week. This one kid had bullied me, I had to do a tiring presentation, and there was a lot of annoying gossip going around. It could be worse, though. “It’s okay,” I shrugged. “I have to do a presentation on ...
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18 May Week 2 - Stepping into the past

First name, first letter of surname
Emma S
Age
13
“Have you finished packing, Marie?” my Mama called. “Almost.” I replied. I was going to stay at my Grandma’s house for the weekend while my Papa and two brothers went on a guys-only camping trip. I hated camping. I threw my books into my backpack. Why, why was my school assignment due on Monday? I really wanted to see my Grandma but I would probably spend a lot of time studying. “Okay, I’m ready!” I shouted, walking out of my room and into the front garden. “Goodbye, sweetheart,” my Mama whispered, embracing me firmly. “Bye, Mama!” I smiled. “Bonjour, ma Cherie!” smiled my Grandma as I entered the living room. "Bonjour, Grandma!” I replied. “I’ve got a pot of onion soup on the stove,” she said. The tantalising smell wafted into my nostrils. “Yum! Merci, Grandma!” I grinned. Grandma smiled and sat down on an old, comfy sofa. “How is school?” she asked politely. I sat down next to her on the sofa as I thought back through the week. This one kid had bullied me, I had to do a tiring history project, and there was a lot of annoying gossip going around. At the same time, I was having fun writing poetry with my friends in English class. “It’s okay,” I shrugged. “I have to make ...
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