Pleasantville High School's 11th Grade Creative Writing Contest

Joe Wallace faced a tough crowd in the Pleasantville High School library recently. Wallace, an author and Pleasantville resident, was in school to launch the annual 11th Grade Creative Writing Contest.
“I know that scattered in here are some who are excited, who are saying ‘Wow, I don’t get a lot of chances to write creatively,’” Wallace said. “A lot more of you are probably thinking, ‘Why am I here, I’m not a writer?’”

An author of thrillers, science fiction and historical fiction, Wallace was quick to reassure them that they all had valuable things to say. The trick is to write about something you care about.

“I’m not looking for writers,” he said. “I am looking for storytellers. When you get home from school and you tell your friend about something that happened during the day, that is what I want to hear. Think of a story you want to tell.”

Sponsored by Wallace and The Village Bookstore, the contest is in its 12th year.

English teacher Leigh Meyer coordinates the contest in the high school and plans it so that students will have a finished piece to submit to the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards in December.

“Creative writing strengthens students’ writing skills and self-expression, which are key components of our curriculum,” Meyer said. “It also encourages imaginative thinking and provides a therapeutic outlet.”

There is often more than one winner in this contest. Last year, nine students won, including one who wrote a violent murder mystery.

“She said she was inspired by TV shows like Law & Order,” Wallace said.
Students can write in any format.

“You can write scripts, plays, graphic short stories, poems,” Wallace said. “If you write something that’s really good, it’s going to get recognized.”

By the end of the class, students who seemed reluctant at first started asking a lot of questions.

“Is there any subject that’s too serious?” Anderson Choi, a junior, asked.

“Anything goes,” Wallace said. “In school and in life, we’re not used to anything going, but here it does.”

“What’s the hardest piece you’ve ever written?” Shane Horigan asked.

“How do you get through writers’ block?” one student asked.

“If we come to you, will you edit it or will you just point out stuff?” another student asked.

“I’m just another set of eyes,” Wallace said.

Wallace sets up office hours in the high school so that students can stop by for guidance. He also encouraged them to stay in touch via e-mail.