Year 10 student Ani Drexler has been announced as the winner of the Mount Gambier Library\u2019s writing competition as part of the recent City of Mount Gambier\u2019s Youth Week program of events.<\/p>\n
Sponsored by Friends of the Library Mount Gambier, young people were encouraged to submit a short story they were proud of or an essay important to them, with the winning prize being a brand new Lenovo 14-inch laptop.<\/p>\n
With 15 quality entries submitted, published author and judge Jacqui Davies carefully read and compiled feedback for every participant.<\/p>\n
Ani\u2019s entry is an 18 page first chapter, No Way Back, from her fan fiction story based on a video game called Dark Deception. \u201cA natural writer and storyteller, Ani\u2019s submission is a thrilling read from start to finish,\u201d Jacqui said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe story\u2019s shadowy atmosphere added tension to the already electrifying story, and the descriptions of people and places are acute and highly effective; I really did feel like I was there.<\/p>\n
\u201c Ani also used a broad and thorough knowledge of foundational storytelling techniques by using sensory descriptions, emotion and action and dialogue, rather than using lengthy passive descriptions\u201d.<\/p>\n
Upon learning she had won the competition, Ani said she was shocked. \u201cMy stories and characters are incredibly precious to me, so when I heard that I\u2019d won a prize with them, I was proud of them and myself,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen I read that I\u2019d won a laptop, and my eyes flew wide open. I\u2019m ecstatic about the win and very grateful for the beautiful prize.<\/p>\n
\u201c It will definitely get plenty of use because I\u2019m going to keep on writing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ani\u2019s entry is available to read on the Mount Gambier Library website.<\/p>\n