Arts
9 to 14s give rein to their creativity in ‘Eagle Eyes and other tales’
A young girl does a good turn by helping an eagle and in return, the mother eagle turns the girl into one, allowing her to experience the world through the eyes of an eagle. This short story, titled ‘Eagle Eyes’ written by 12-year-old Alisha Rebert is published along with 17 other stories by her peers in ‘Eagle Eyes and other tales’, to be launched this week. Written by young authors aged 9-14 the stories explore a wide range of subjects – from time travel to cyberbullying and many things in between.
Prof. Neluka Silva (seated centre) with her young writers
Professor in English at the University of Colombo Neluka Silva has been conducting drama and creative writing workshops for children for over a decade. When a parent suggested that she publish the work of the children, she was hesitant at first but decided to try. “I was hopeful that at least 15 children would continue with the workshops so that we could publish their stories and so I am very happy to have 18,” she says.
The young writers: Aanya Fernando-Nanayakkara, Alisha Rebert, Anuki Ranara Chandrasena, Avana Jayasekera, Kimaya Balendra, Thiumi Gunasekera, Lara Gunawardana, Minara Nanayakkara, Rahell Dias, Sara Musajee, Mahishka Dias, Shanelle Jayawardhana, Naren Haththotuwa, Nimaya Nanayakkara, Imaaya Perera, Thisuli Madawela, Chenuli Weragama and Janumi Weragama attended workshops on Saturdays mornings where they were taught the basics of creative writing such as how to create plot, dialogue, characters etc. Their stories developed over time and Neluka is happy that they have learnt and used the techniques she taught them.
Most started writing murder mysteries and horror stories, which Neluka says she gently discouraged and now the collection has only a few stories from that genre. She is sad to note that only one boy remained in the project and hopes that there will be more boys in the future. “It was a fun experience. I used to write murder mysteries, but with Aunty Neluka’s help, I tried writing a serious story this time. I hope people like it,” says Naren.
The only boy in the group: Naren Haththotuwa
Many of the stories take place in Sri Lanka, which Neluka is quite happy to note. This includes Eagle Eyes, which takes place in Dambulla and a story about the death of Lady Lavinia as well as one about a young boy diagnosed with cancer. The writers mostly agreed that writing about places and things familiar to them was better than writing about far-off Western countries and abstract themes and feel that this is one of the keys to their success. Thiumi however had a different idea. “I wanted to go to the moon so writing a story about it helped me,” she says.
Neluka feels that the support each writer received from the group was very encouraging and helped them grow. “They would give their feedback in a very respectful way and encourage each other and I think that really helped – when the older children encouraged the younger ones it motivated them,” she says.
What advice do these young writers have to offer other aspiring young writers? “Be happy with your own story,” says Aanya while many others agreed that not giving up as things become difficult is very important. “Don’t give up and think you can’t do it,” says Alisha, while Nimaya says that working hard is key. “If anyone’s holding you back, just ignore them and keep writing,” says Avana. Above all, everyone agreed that having fun and allowing the writing process to express their feelings is also very important.
“This has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life,” says Neluka, who is happy to have had the support of the writers’ parents, who made sure their children did the work they needed to do to complete their stories. The book is suitable for all readers, she feels.
“Eagle Eyes and other stories” will be launched on December 12 at St. Anthony’s Church, Colombo 3 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. The books are priced at Rs 700 but will be sold at Rs 600 at the launch.