Another World by Grace Chisnall (year 8)

Congratulations. Your short story was a finalist in this year’s Beyond Expectations (an anthology of NZ intermediate school writing). Tell us about your story. What inspired it?      
I was in class and noticed a square of metal on the floor. It looked like a trapdoor, and I thought I could use that for the Beyond Expectations writing competition. Later I changed it to a manhole.
 
You’re a student in your spare time. So tell us really, how important are writing competitions?
I love writing, but I haven’t entered many competitions like this before. I was thrilled to get published!
 
What is your opinion on receiving feedback?       
I think feedback is important. If no-one gives you feedback, you won’t know what to improve in your writing.
 
Name the writer (dead or alive) who you would most like to have dinner with and tell us what you would like to ask them?          
I am reading the Lord of the Rings at the moment, so I think I would like to have dinner with J.R.R Tolkien. My questions would be:
What inspired your story?
Was it hard to come up with the Elvish language and the other languages?
What was your favourite book growing up?

YA fiction, of all the genres, is addressing the real issues. Discuss your favourite genre.
I like books which are set in the real world, with fantasy involved. The Hobbit is a good example.      
 
Where do you see your writing taking you in the future?
I would like to enter a few more competitions, and if I get a good idea I might try to write a book.
 
Anything else you would like to say about being a writer?
Anybody can write! 
 
Thank you so much for your answers. We look forward to seeing your writing in print in the future.

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