Students' writing to be published in youth journal

Stella Weston (left), 12, Katrina Weblin, 11, and Rupert Lewis, 11, will have their writing published in the next edition of <i>Toitoi.</i> Photo/Stephen Parker

Watch out JK Rowling - three Mokoia Intermediate students are hot on your tail.

Stella Weston, 12, Katrina Weblin, 11, and Rupert Lewis, 11, said they were surprised and happy to have their work chosen to be published in Toitoi, a quarterly journal of writing and art by Kiwi kids aged 5 to 13.

"[Having work published] made me feel like I can do this," Katrina said.

It is the first time any of them have had work published. The Toitoi edition with their work is not out yet.

Stella said she wrote about wild horses on the Desert Road, Katrina wrote about sea biscuiting in summer, and Rupert wrote about swimming pools.

The students' teacher Barbara O'Donnell said the three had produced high quality work.

"It's awesome there is an authentic audience to read their work."

She said the potential of being chosen gave the students a purpose and a chance to develop their work, and the class would be entering the next round in September.

"It's great to have a journal like this, with a proper opportunity to have their work published."

Parent and local author Claire Baylis came into the students' classroom each week during term two for 90-minute workshop sessions.

She was stunned to learn three stories from the class were accepted because she believed the journal had received more than 1000 submissions for the issue.

"Rupert, Katrina and Stella worked hard at developing their stories. This is a great achievement for these students and for Mokoia Intermediate. Having a forum like this for students' work to be professionally published is so inspiring for young writers, and the editors are incredibly encouraging and supportive."

Ms Baylis said they focused on a different aspect of the story each week, such as coming up with and developing ideas, character development and using all the senses in descriptive writing.

"The students shared their work with other classmates and helped each other to make their language precise, and their stories interesting with a good pulse.

"All the students should be proud of the development they achieved in their stories, especially because they sometimes found it hard to go back to the story and try another re-write."

Stella said it was good to have Ms Baylis help them out.

Deputy principal Annemarie Hyde said the school was "really proud" of the students.

"It's great to see three of our top students shine, and for other people to read their work."

She said another student, Lucas Joy, had his artwork published in an earlier issue.

One of the Toitoi editors, Charlotte Gibbs, said the journal loved Mokoia Intermediate's stories and was thrilled to be publishing them.

"We could really see the great work and super editing that had gone into them - they were fabulous to read and I think other young writers and artists across the country will love them too."​