The high standard of this year’s 121 entries is indicated by the length of the Seniors’ shortlisted entries! There was tough competition for the top spot. Not only that, but the news in August 2008 that the Senior Winner, Kirsty Eagar, is soon to sign with Penguin for two of her novels, including “Raw Blue”, indicates that she will not be a frustrated writer – as she was on the award entry closing date – for very much longer. She has relinquished her mentorship to benefit another frustrated writer, Pixi Robertson who, with two entries among the shortlisted Seniors, has been granted a Senior Highly Commended Award. Her mentor will be James Moloney.

All the four Young Adult writers listed below deserve commendation for the high standard of their so different abilities: concise short story, multiply narrated novels, fantasy series…. The writing world lies before them. Adelle Smith’s mentor will be J.C.Burke, while Alexi Abel’s first novel of his fantasy series has already been sent direct to a publisher for comment.

The Junior writers listed below – all aged between 9 and 11 at entry closing date – presented lively writing which showed great promise. Who could have foreseen that this award would draw forth a how-to book on writing poetry? It is amazing what the combination of the brain and the pen – or keystroke – can do! Elizabeth Waldron will be mentored by Claire Craig.

The question of whether it was more advantageous for an entrant to send in their whole MSS or only a part plus a synopsis (either is acceptable) was discussed among the Senior Award judges, who came to the conclusion that only the writer could determine what content showed the work in its best light.

Juliet Sheen

Convenor

CBCA-NSW Frustrated Writers Mentoring Program

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Senior Award Winner:

Kirsty Eagar, “Raw Blue”

From the moment the surf is in earshot, this Young Adult novel about a group of young surfers holds our attention. Surfing, cooking, loving – all, good and bad, combine memorable characters and their lives in and around the beach culture. A stand-out book!

Kirsty’s book has been accepted for publication by Penguin

Senior Highly Commended Award:

Pixi Robertson, “Death and the Accidental Detective”

A great yarn. A girl and her friend the local Aboriginal police liaison officer join forces to track down who is behind skullduggery in a country town. Thrilling pace and gripping finale.

Pixi will be mentored by James Moloney

Senior Shortlisted Writers:

Van Badham, “The Book of Eyes”

The world portrayed in this extract was real and compelling and the idea of exploring an oppressive society through a fantasy setting was well thought out. The main character's desire to know the bigger world and escape from the island was completely understandable.

Helen Davison, “Har Ping and His Double Happiness”

Folktales from other cultures are always appealing and this story is a gold mine. The stories are cunningly placed through the daily life of the boy Har Ping, closing the gap between him and his grandmother. A world of change, modern China is obvious in Har Ping's village life yet it is the stories and the grandmother that give the story powerful moral solidity. Language and story length matched reading age group.

Kit Fletcher, “The Three Jewels”

Three girls contribute to one journal, with their personalities making varied cheeky entries. Engaging reading for 8–12 girls. Dialogue is snappy and the tone is right on. Should develop well from its first chapters.

Julia Martin, “Opposites Attract”

Fresh, everyday reality appeals. A great story can tell of everyday things like dealing with a classmate who annoys you; these are just as important to children as Big Issues. Delightful characters set in the rhythm of daily life. Language and story length matched reading age group.

Mignon Miller, “To Feed a Prince”

This picture book story conjured up great possible illustrations: delicious exotic food and scary consequences for taking the wrong turn. We ventured forth again and again with the child trying to get the meal to the hungry, apologetic prince. The patient understanding father added great warmth with a sense that it is okay not to get it right the first time.

Oliver Phommavanh, “Starstruck!”

Will the stars guide this nerdy Aries boy through Year 6? Will he get the girl? Each episode proceeds under a stargazer’s predictions but perhaps not as reliably as the narrator hopes. Hilarious! A lively read.

Pixi Robertson, “Bunty Armitage: Circus Girl”

From 21^st to 19^th century, back and forth, as the girl narrator is projected into the experiences of a real Australian circus performer over a century ago. Mixed media inserts conjure up the atmosphere of the Real Thing. Could respond well to further development.

Vicki Stanton, “Some Sort of Hero”

Will unreliable dad come good in the end? A well-written tale for the 10–14s with good characters in a difficult family situation. The story has immediacy and should develop well.

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Young Adult Award Winner:

Adelle Smith, “Halfway Home”

Traumatic incidents precede the deaths of mother and stepfather of the girl narrator of this multi-stranded narrative, herself arrested for murder. After the dramatic opening events move swiftly through the voices of neighbours, schoolmates and the girl’s estranged father, a barrister into whose care she is bailed. A promising writer with considerable insight.

Adelle Smith will be mentored by Jane Burke

Young Adult Shortlisted Writers:

Alexi Abel, “Powers and Prophecy”

In this first volume of a fantasy series “The Circle of Eleven”, the Sydney-raised young hero finds himself plunged into a massive multi-world battle with an evil empire. Despite obvious resonances of Harry Potter and the Lord of the Rings, readers are quickly immersed in an engaging and fast-moving tale where character-differentiation is clear, and settings and fights have engrossing detail. Plus an understated sense of humour that is unusual in the fantasy genre!

Michelle Balogh, “Nice”

The interaction of three teenage girls in separate narratives makes for an interesting mix of approaches to the trials and enjoyments of life at home, school and around Sydney’s inner west. This capable writer shows good insight into what motivates her characters, using language effectively and efficiently.

Pristine Ong, “Accident”

An ambitious and well-constructed short story, vivid and ultra-concise. The writing shows great potential.

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Junior Award Winner:

Elizabeth Waldron, “The Green Sheep Guide to Primary School Poetry”

A how-to book for her fellow primary students from an established 11-year-old poet, as her examples demonstrate. The writer shows considerable maturity and insight into how and why children write poetry. The book is funny, inspiring, useful (not only to children) and perfectly pitched to its audience. Publishers, please note!

Elizabeth’s mentor will be Claire Craig

Junior Shortlisted Writers:

Grace Gallur, “Going in Deep: Myrtle and the Enchanted Lake”

The first in a series of fantasy tales about mermaids. Competent writing in both characterisations and dialogue. This tale moves along well.

Vanessa Goundry, “Filho Mundo’s Book of Worlds”

An original science fiction fantasy, good characterizations, with well-grounded detail. Could develop interestingly.

Annie Smith, “Rush: A Book of Poetry”

Lovely images suffuse this collection of poems. The writer’s delight in free verse could develop with further attention to internal patterns of sound and rhythm.

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Frustrated Writers 2007