NaNoWriMo Guest Speaker

NaNoWriMo Update

The writer’s group are all over half way towards our goal of writing novels this month.  Four of our six novelists were available to host the Municipal Liaison for North Queensland, Ms Tash Grace, from CQU.  As an accomplished writer, Tash was very helpful in sharing her own involvement with NaNoWriMo and a good many writing tips.  We completed a quick word sprint and Tash gave us  feedback. It wasn’t easy to describe fire without using any colour adjectives to do that – but the challenge honed our ability to use our other senses – and our imagination!

We were fascinated by one of her take-home messages:

Research – If your scene is set in a Japanese temple and you haven’t been in one, research what is likely to be there.  You may not be able to use your eyes, but you can use your mind’s eye.  An even better way to immerse yourself in the context of your novel is via direct research/experiences.  Why not take up pastimes that will make you knowledgeable? Tash has learned both archery, firearms and the ancient art of building chain mail in order to suspend disbelief in her writing. Knowing more will help with writing descriptions that transport the reader into the character’s world. Google Earth is another recommended tool.

Lastly, it was reassuring to know that the main purpose of this annual novel writing challenge throughout November,  is quantity.  We are already succeeding in developing the discipline and the grit to write a significant story. We are learning that our characters grow on the page, waiting for us to return day after day.  Not having written such long stories before, on more than one occasion we were enlightened to find the characters have not run away because we are so well acquainted.

After November 30th, we will rest.  But for a writer, this first draft will be only the start of the challenge – we will have to spend many months editing and polishing our novels. NaNoWriMo can assist us with these stages of the process too.

We really appreciated the stickers and pens that made us feel like real authors, connected to a global community of writers. Thank you very sincerely Ms Grace,  for driving out to Smithfield on your day off  to spend time with us. We look forward to participating again next year and to inviting you back for a Young Writers Program write-in.

 

NaNoWriMo is Coming


First we started with a Banned Books display, moved to the Great Barrier Reef and next week to something really mysterious with Thylacine from the Qld Museum regional loans.  Looking forward to that one.

But next month is November and you know what that means?  The NaNoWriMo challenge.  Only those intrepid few with true grit are signing up for the challenge of nominating a word limit and committing to write every day, without stopping, without revision, so that on the last day of November, they sit proudly in front of a whole novel (well a rough draft) of their own making.  It’s not too late to sign up.  We meet in the eLearning Room each Wednesday first break. We have senior writers to mentor us and to rope up with us to achieve our goals. New writers are very welcome but remember you only have until Oct 31st to sign up using our Smithfield Writer’s classroom code.

 

Writer’s Excursion to Trinity Bay SHS

Trinity Bay Writer’s Festival

“The World of Mystery” festival was held on Aug 10th & 11th at Trinity Bay SHS. Students from Yr 6 to 12 attended the two day workshop with world renowned authors, Lili Wilkinson, Nick Earls, Jack Heath and Anne Spudvillas.

“Seeing some of our students volunteer to read their own work to award-winning authors was a really great experience. Sharing and celebrating their writing, as well as encouraging one another, was something they should all be proud of!” remarked Ms Campbell.

Our budding authors – Jasmine M, Jessica R, Keegan M, Billie W and Tahnia E also commented:

“The writer’s festival was amazing … The authors and illustrators taught us a lot and I made many new friends … I learnt a lot about my friends’ ideas, aspirations and writing styles …

This experience was amazing and a ton of fun! … I cant wait till next year – I even started another book … I found a way to use my charcoal … I found it very interesting and educational … It inspired me to become a junior author… I now know how to illustrate my own book … Thanks for letting me go to that experience … You’re awesome”


CBCA Book Week 2017 – Escape to Everywhere

Books transport us to other places and inspired this year’s signposts to various fictional settings. None of our featured books from the 2017 shortlist were chosen Books of the Year. [https://cbca.org.au/winners-2017]

We featured Oliver Huxley’s allegory of grief “My Brother” and information books about design (Spellbound by Marie Coote) and courage (Fabish by Neridah McMullin). Thank you for your artistic assistance Mr Jarman and Sharon B (Yr12). and for the winning Panem travel poster by Dany C. & Vanda R. in 7A. Special thanks to Ms Ellington [pictured] for giving up some of her own time to help set up our display.

 

New Book Recommendation snipped from a Review by Jackson O. (Yr8)

Anthony Horowitz uses incredible description and storytelling to make a story that is not only intriguing and thrilling, but also engaging and thought-provoking. This unbelievable book constantly entertains and seems to surpass all other books in the Alex Rider series. ‘Alex Rider: Never Say Die’ will keep you on the edge of your seat and wanting more.

 

 

 

Citizen Writers

This month’s update features students writing. Cara has joined our YA novel reviewer scheme to boost our collection development through READPlus.com and Jasmine is one of eight Yr 7 & 8 students involved in Reader’s Cup this term. If you haven’t found your extra-curricular interest yet, Writer’s Group will welcome you next term, on Wednesdays at first break.

Reader’s Cup Report

On the 9th of June, two teams took part in the Readers Cup and visited Cairns State High School to go head to head to find out the winning school. We each had to read the 6 chosen books before the competition and quiz each other. When we arrived at the venue, we took our seats and nervously waited for the competition to begin. Mrs Robins had a job on the marker’s table. Overall, both teams from Smithfield did well and one of the teams was even winning for the first 2 books. In addition, we were able to socialise with students from other schools in the region, who were also interested in reading. The Cairns Book Shop had donated a few books to the competition for teams to win for spot questions. Kurt scored one for us! Both teams from Smithfield State High School enjoyed this competition and I would recommend that any interested readers take part next year.

Written by Jasmine on behalf of Jessica, Billie, Mikaela, Eme-Rose, Elle, Kurt, Keegan and Ms Robins. Photo by Ms Murgatroyd.

“Alex Approximately” by Jenn Bennett

Recommended. 14+ The novel ‘Alex Approximately’ shows that you can know someone behind the computer screen but also face-to-face and not know that it is the same person. The book, written by Jenn Bennett, explores a story of summer, first love, hidden identities and friendship. After moving in with her dad on the other side of the country, 17-year-old Bailey goes on a hunt for a great guy she knew from online, who happens to live close. Alex is a film geek and not nearly as irritating as Bailey’s handsome co-worker at the local cinema. But Porter is also keeping secrets.

Bennett’s female character goes through a thrilling summer into school. On the way, she tests her strength, loyalty and trust against those around her. The book is a wonderful read and Bennett has a great sense of humour making you laugh at casual jokes.

“Alex Approximately” proves that falling in love can happen even when you think it is with the wrong person.

By Cara

Kudos to those students who keep checking their emails to know what’s happening – like our recent YAPS and Muttaburrasaurus displays, or new Red Hot Reads. Check out one new book or ebook this holidays.

Mrs R

Teacher Librarian