Their story, in their words…
With 21000 words and right before my summer began, I had finished my Novella: ‘The Final War’
Each day I allocated myself at least an hour to write 500 words and to continue the plan for my story. It was rather exhilarating, as for the first time I was writing a full story; characters being developed, the story having an end, as whenever I wrote small stories or prompts, I was never able to finish them.
Perhaps it was my fear of not being able to end a story with a bang, something meaningful or satisfiable. Despite this worry, it was going rather smoothly, I had plenty of time even with my homework’s and revision for the first assessments of Year 12. I even decided for two of my chapters to write 1000 words daily, though I had to return to 500 words once I was already in Spring half term.
After Spring half term, it did start to become stressful. More revision was needed to be done, and I had to continue working on my personal statement. I also had to make time for my family and friends, my biggest supporters of this project, so, yes, it was hard work.
Already done with Chapter 5, I decided to start proofreading to change any minor or major errors within the story. Some changes to the story line were also made, and names of characters adjusted. With my trusty notebook, I began planning out the last few chapters in more detail, to make my workload more manageable.
By Summer, right before my exams, the Novella was finished. I don’t think I was ever so relieved and pleased with a project. I had written my own Novella ready to be printed and sold. Though this was short lived as my end of year exams had begun. Luckily, it went alright and before I knew it, I went on holiday to Poland.
However, the job was not done yet, as I had to find a willing printer to print my book. Margaret was a huge help in this. She directed me to find the right printer right before I went on holiday. Returning back was even more thrilling as I knew what awaited me. My printed copies in the packaging box, laying in my bedroom.
Although writing a Novella was a massive challenge, the biggest problem that arose for me was selling the books in my school. With the overwhelming feedback and congratulations from everyone: teachers, friends, students, not many pupils were keen readers or interested in reading in general.
So, I had to improvise and personally go up to any teacher or student and ask if they would like to buy a book dedicated to raise donations for the Mark Evison Foundation. It worked out well and just like that, my 40 copies of the Novella disappeared.
Overall, this experience was truly wonderful. I had managed to successfully complete my challenge, that in some ways did push me out of my comfort zone, as I am personally quite shy, so promoting the book to so many people that I never truly spoken to a lot was interesting and a great learning opportunity for me.
I’ve learnt to become more confident in speaking and writing and feeling less anxious talking to strangers. Though I still do feel nervous sometimes.
This Novella had helped me become even more inspired to continue writing and finish my past stories that are left somewhere in my old notebooks. So thank you Mark Evison Foundation for providing me with such a great opportunity!
