Write a Book in a Day
On Wednesday, 27th and Thursday, 28th August, a range of talented and enthusiastic writers gathered to participate in the annual Write a Book in a Day challenge. Students had to plan, write, edit, and submit their piece of work within a 12-hour period. Each team was given unique parameters, making their books completely their own.
This project challenged students' teamwork and collaboration skills, as planning and working together were crucial parts of completing the book. At the beginning of the day, teams were given their parameters and began the planning process. They divided themselves into roles such as writers, illustrators, and editors to work as efficiently as possible. The early stages were crucial, as communication was key to creating a harmonious and flowing book.
Teams had a minimum of 3,500 words and a maximum of 5,000, which included everything from the title to the credits. The result of the competition was a diverse collection of narratives, reflecting each team's creativity and imagination. Titles such as Carnival Conundrum, Operation Eagle, and Swept Away emerged from the grade 7/8 teams, while titles like A Heart of Gold, The Fantastic Gleeby, and Sugar, Spice, and the Supernatural were created by the 9/10 teams. While the day felt long, many teams felt the pressure mount as the deadline approached, racing to format and compile their chapters into a single document and submitting their work just before the 8:00 pm deadline.
While this competition was an extravagant literary achievement, the project also raises vital funds for children's cancer research. Every book submitted will be made available for free to kids in hospitals around Australia, potentially changing a child’s day in hospital.
Overall, the days were a resounding success, filled with writing, drawing, talking, and plenty of food. Every student and team left feeling accomplished and proud of an overall exciting and challenging day. The days were guided by Mrs Phair and Mr Gadsby, who offered not only supervision but also a calming presence when the days ended and the pressure and panic heightened.
Maya R
