FEATURE - Choosing reality

The HT Young Writer of the Year, Peppa Hammat, said when she heard the competition title ‘AI or Reality’, she felt a bit confused, but the next day she had an idea and started writing instantly.

“My writing process is more of a ‘follow the breadcrumbs’ style as I tap away on the keys,” Peppa shared. “I let the story, characters and twists slowly unravel song with me as the story starts to flow.

“Lots of notes, deletes and rewrites, but I was pretty proud of the finished piece.”

Peppa said winning the competition felt like someone saying ‘you’re on the right track, keep going!’

“To be honest, I had no idea I would win when I sent it in, for me, it was more like practice for getting my work out into the world. And it has made me even more determined to finish the novel I’m writing!

“Thank you so much to everyone involved, the Hinterland Times and all of the businesses and individuals that donated prizes. I’m blown away, and very grateful.”

The prizes and certificates were presented to Peppa, Amelia and Bayli in Russell Family Park, Montville, with artist Jim Cox and Rosetta Books co-owner, Lea Dodd, joining us.

Jim presented Peppa with a personalised illustration for her story, and three of his books, and Lea presented the generous $300 prize money, sponsored by Rosetta Books, Maleny. 

Peppa also received a $100 voucher from Forest Heart Nursery, an $80 voucher from Homegrown Café, Palmoods, $100 from Celebrating Books, Maleny Team, $75 from the Maleny Arts Council, and two open tickets for the spring/summer season of ‘Outspoken Presents’.

Amelia and Bayli both received $250 from our two generous anonymous donors, and a $50 voucher each for The Barn on Flaxton café.

Our HT judges were once again, blown away by the talent and imagination of so many young writers who sent their stories in, and some of their comments are below:

“I thought this was a tough topic because it lends itself to the abstract, and abstract writing can be very hard. It takes a lot of life-study, experience and perception to capture that type of absurdity, however, the finalists were effective in writing to the theme. 

“It was also pleasing to see that they all took different approaches, with several preferring the benefits of the human spirit, no matter how imperfect, over the perceived inhuman benefits of AI.”

“Overall, the finalists all have a good grasp on how to write a good story, i.e. it must have a good, strong opening with some kind of action or conflict; a body which works to resolve the issue introduced at the opening; and a resolution that solves or explains the issue.

“Among the entries was some beautiful description and great vocabulary. Dialogue featured heavily and is an important technique in ‘showing’ not ‘telling’ a story. Many new authors struggle with this, so any budding authors amongst the entrants are off to a flying start!”

“To all the finalists I say a genuine thank you for the entertainment and extend a hearty congratulations.”

“Great work from all the young writers. They are learning to build worlds, craft characters, and weave narratives, and it’s a pleasure to review their work. If this is the result of how they write in the early years, the world has a treat in store as these writers develop even further.”

“I was moved by many of these stories, and also struck by how the constant message was not to give ourselves away to AI.”