The “Write a Book” competition

Every week my class gets an essay to do in school. One week I was given a story to write called “The Secret Garden” or “My Secret Garden”. I chose “My Secret Garden”, because I found it more of a personal way to write. I wrote a short story about a young girl called Anne O’ Connor in the 1860’s whose mother got sick and she had to work as a maid in a wealthy household in order to pay for the doctor.

Some weeks later, I was told by Ms. O’ Mahony that our class would be entering the “Write a Book” competition (set up by the Blackrock Teachers Centre). I decided to edit the story of “My Secret Garden” and enter it. “My Secret Garden” became “The Secret Diary of Anne O’ Connor”. I made the story of what happened before Anne discovered her secret garden a lot more detailed. Soon it was ready, and I entered it.

I wasn’t feeling very well the day I got the news. I had got a head cold and was at home. (Looking like Rudolf the red nosed reindeer the 2nd!). The phone rang and my mum answered it. I was pretty surprised when she told me that it was Ms. O’ Mahony, wanting to talk to me! My mum gave me the phone and I said “hello”. “Hi Iseult” Ms. O’ Mahony said cheerfully. “We got the results of the write a book competition and I just thought you’d like to know them” she continued “unfortunately you didn’t get “highly commended” Eimear Redmond, Ruth Drennan and Emily O’ Shea receive that prize, but the “Special Merit Award” goes to . . . ” she paused. I was getting excited by now. “Iseult O’ Rourke!” laughed Ms. O’ Mahony. All I could hear was the class cheering in the background. “oh, oh” I replied, delighted. “Are you pleased?” asked Ms. O’ Mahony. “Yeh, yes I’m really happy!” I cried. The conversation went on for another few minutes and then I hung up and told my mum about it, she was as excited as I was.

Unfortunately my Mum couldn’t go to the prize giving, because my little sister was sick and only two people were aloud come with me so mum stayed home to mind my sister and my brother Ciarán and my Dad came with me. The prize giving was great! The Minister for education was there to give the prizes and we all got medals and certificates. I got home and told my mum all about it. Over all, it was a great experience and I’m so glad that I entered!

By Iseult O’ Rourke   Rang 6