The Young Writers Showcase is the highest level of high school literature. Each year, around 15 students are selected for their high quality works to be published. So, as a published author, I will share some tips on how to do your best in English Extension 2.
Introduction to The Course
Most students end up dropping. Each class is mainly student-led, writing drafts and revisions and an opportunity to ask teachers any questions.
Key tip: if you're not invested, you're very likely to drop. If you have enrolled, put your all into it or don't do it at all.
Picking Your Form
You can pick Short Fiction (5000–6000 word limit), Creative Non-Fiction (5000–6000 word limit), Poetry (3000 word limit), Critical Response (4000–5000 word limit), Script (25 minutes), Podcast (15 minutes) or Multimedia (7-8 minute playtime).
Generally you should avoid choosing script and sound mediums unless you have a CLEAR PURPOSE and driving reason that it cannot be executed by ANY OTHER FORM.
This is very important as teachers and markers will be critical regarding your form. Choose what you are comfortable and strong at, but more importantly what your PURPOSE best suits. Be prepared to write countless times why this form was the one that best suited for your chosen topic.
Picking Your Topic
Your teachers will probably give you a rundown, but do something that adds to the field of literature. Choose something unique; a special experience or an underlying message about the state of literature. Most people lean to culture or family, and these aren't bad things - most of the pieces in the Young Writers Showcase are based on culture. All in all, write something you will enjoy writing about.
Tips and Tricks: The Real Guide to Surviving Extension 2
Write as many drafts as possible, ideally one per fortnight.
At North Sydney Girls, we were required to hand in one draft per fortnight. It might be lenient at other schools, but our class found it extremely beneficial for the growth and honing of new and old ideas. Each draft does not need to have a substantial increase in word count, but should implement your teacher's feedback and express your ideas more concisely.
2. Write EVERYTHING down.
Anything and everything that comes to mind! It's better to not know how to say something than have nothing to say in the first place. Even if it's not the way you want it to be, having your general idea down helps to discuss ideas with yout teachers more easily. Furthermore, you can easily 'dress' the words up after you have a strong backbone.
3. Create a timeline.
Have milestones for when you want to have certain sections completed, such as X amount of chapters by June. This helps build up your organisational skills (which definitely come in handy after high school) and avoids leaving anything to the last minute.
4. Don't last minute your journal.
Do it as you go - print out your drafts and annotate them. It becomes really annoying when you misplace it and have to print all the papers out last minute. Don't become a victim of printer failure.
5. Take creative guidance
Sometimes you'll get writer's block and sometimes you'll get bursts of inspiration. It is overall your work, and even though teachers will sometimes have comments that cannot be ignored (grammar, syntax, etc.), you should take creative guidance. It should be something you're proud of, that you believe in, and that you're passionate about.
I'm not saying completely ignore your teachers, but do what feels right. For me, I wrote a poem the night before submission because I liked the way it sounded and it felt right. Do just that!
If you'd like a one-on-one session with me or want to read my Major Work, enrol with us or send us a message!
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