Gems from 'The Nowhere Emporium': A Creative Writing Workshop with Ross MacKenzie

On Monday 22nd November, Evernight author Ross MacKenzie visited the Library where he held a writing workshop for year 7 and 8 students. 

As part of the workshop, Ross talked about his book The Nowhere Emporium and encouraged students to invent their own magical rooms in a short piece of creative writing.

All of our students produced brilliant work and we have chosen a few 'rooms' to share with you all to demonstrate the broad range of creative writing produced by years 7 and 8!

My door: Its Purr-fect by Isabella 7R

You move towards the shiny purple door, faint 'mews' can be heard. Click. The door swings open revealing an extensive world. The jagged horizon made of mountains, frames the souring casts, their wings casting shadows over the vast land. Roaring mews fill your ears. The air feels soft, like it gently lays on your skin and a subtle fishy, almost salty, smell lingers over a creamy lake glistening in the sun. Cats fill every corner, leaping over the luscious green grass. This world thrives, no sign of melancholy or guilt. Almost as though they have been banished. Every sad thought you've ever had is replaced with the memory of a joyous cat. The world feels right here. 

The Colour of Music by Michal 8C

As I staggered into the shop, everything was a shad of grey, black and white. People observed the items and instruments in awe and admiration. I thought 'what was there that was so impressive?'.

 I went up to the cashier and said 'nothing is colourful'. 

Then she came up close and said 'there is but you are looking carelessly'. 

I strolled through the shop, thinking about what she meant. I could smell a fresh breeze of metal and rotten pieces of skin from the drums. I approached the guitars, hung high up on the wall and slowly brushed my soft hands against the surface. It was as smooth as a baby. It's string suddenly plucked itself and made a gentle and smooth note. It echoed across the whole room, making the ground tremble and the instruments sang with colour dispersing across the unlively surfaces of the instruments.

As I circled the room, I could see yellows, reds, pinks, purples, blues, turquoises and many more. The room lit up, sending big smiles across the customers faces.

I picked up a drum, sat down, and played a beat that echoed through my ears, full of colour and joyfulness. The room was like an enchanted forest and now I can see the colours because I looked closely and found my imagination.

The Room of Possibilities by Kimora 8C

A never ending space of wonder, marble walls with splats of colour stretch out across the room. Pens, pencils, paints and paper of all colours, shapes and sizes fill the empty spaces in this magical place.

The smell of fresh paint and ink linger in the warm, cooling air. At the far end of the room there on the wall is a golden plaque, engraved in it are the words 'The Room of Possibilities'. 

The place looks as if it belongs in a palace with magical pens, pencils, and paint that can bring whatever you draw/paint come to life. At the very end of the room right next to the plaque there is a door, a simple white door with a golden doorknob... 

Well done to all students who participated - everyone at the library (and Ross himself) were very impressed with the work shared!

Evernight and Feast of the Evernight are now available to reserve from the library!