Brianne Wragg
Hello to all our young authors’ wonderful parents, guardians, and admirers! Brianne here, your mentor and coach at Creative Genesis.
I’m thrilled to unveil something extraordinary – the Creative Genesis Anthology 2023. But before we dive into the vibrant pages of this anthology, let’s talk about what it represents for our young, imaginative writers.
Publishing, for some, is a checkpoint, not the final destination, while for others, it’s a triumphant finish line. This anthology is a diverse canvas, capturing our kids’ myriad reasons to publish. For them, it symbolizes a range of emotions and achievements – from celebrating their boundless creativity to marking success, feeling a sense of accomplishment, embracing professionalism, or simply yearning to be heard.
Last year marked our first foray into publishing with our digital anthology, and the outpouring of affection and admiration from both kids and parents was overwhelming. It fueled my desire to make the 2023 edition even more grand and impactful. I listened, we learned, and we expanded our horizons – this year, we created a digital masterpiece for CG families and made it tangible, with copies available on Amazon for you to own and cherish.
This anthology isn’t merely a collection of writings; it’s a voyage through the imaginative realms crafted by our exceptionally talented young writers. It’s about celebrating each individual’s unique journey of expression, growth as a writer, and bold steps into the publishing world. It’s an honor for me to present their work, a testament to their incredible talent and the supportive environment we foster at Creative Genesis.
Prepare to be amazed by the worlds these young minds have spun, the stories they have woven, and the art they have created – all waiting for you to explore and appreciate.
In this year’s anthology, you’ll find a delightful blend of experienced voices like Millie, Remy, Isaiah, and Dylan alongside new, fresh voices like Sakura, Bhoomi, Mathews, and Sana. Watching their growth and the way they embrace their creativity has been an absolute joy. Each piece in this anthology is a slice of their world – their thoughts, dreams, and unique perspectives.
But the excitement doesn’t end there! A special shoutout to Peter, our first graphic novelist, who graces us with Chapter 1 of his “International Spacestation Fallout” story. Now in its full glory, this gripping tale is available on Amazon. It’s not just a story; it’s an exploration of creativity in the graphic novel format, showcasing Peter’s incredible talent for weaving narrative and art.
We also celebrate projects that take a deep dive into unique interests. Isaiah shares his incredible MicroNation project, a creative endeavor where he constructs and manages his own miniature country, exploring the complexities of governance, culture, and society in a microcosm. It’s a fascinating blend of creativity, politics, and world-building.
Meanwhile, Millie’s population-tracking project with Green Anoles in her backyard is a testament to the blend of science and storytelling. She meticulously observes, documents, and narrates the lives and behaviors of these fascinating creatures, turning her backyard into a living laboratory and a source of endless stories.
Our anthology is enriched with poetic works, too. Claire, a new writer to our fold, has contributed remarkable pieces, showcasing her natural flair for rhythm and emotion. And let’s not forget Hanna, who has embraced the art of reverse poems. These unique poems offer a dual reading experience – one from top to bottom and another from bottom to top, each with a distinct meaning, reflecting the duality and depth of emotions and perspectives.
Each of these contributions is not just a piece of writing but a window into the hearts and minds of our young creators. Their dedication to exploring various forms and themes in writing is truly inspiring. This anthology celebrates their journey, a compilation of their voices, and a showcase of the diverse talents nurtured at Creative Genesis.
This year’s Creative Genesis Anthology 2023 is not just a compilation of stories; it’s a canvas where our young writers have contributed their creative works and actively shaped the essence of the anthology’s layout, design, and content. This edition marks a significant evolution as it transitions from a mere collection of writings to a collaborative project where each contributor plays a crucial role in the anthology’s presentation.
Firstly, introducing the Badge Identifier System is a hallmark of this collaborative spirit. Our writers conceptualized and implemented this ingenious feature, understanding that readers, much like themselves, have varied genre preferences. Each story is adorned with a distinct badge – Fiction, Science-Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery, or Scary/Horror, enabling you to navigate effortlessly to your desired reading experience.
Additionally, the students proposed showcasing the original writing prompts that served as the seeds for their stories. This insightful addition offers a unique perspective into the genesis of each piece, illustrating the journey from a simple idea to a captivating narrative. It’s a peek into the creative process, revealing how diverse prompts can be transformed into rich, imaginative stories.
This year’s anthology is thus a testament to the creativity, initiative, and collaboration of our young writers. As you turn each page, you’re not just reading stories but exploring the collective imagination and dedication of our vibrant young community at Creative Genesis.
In the Creative Genesis Anthology 2023, each story is a unique journey from a flicker of inspiration to a full-blown narrative. Let’s delve into the creative process that transformed simple writing prompts into this collection’s rich tapestry of tales.
Sana’s approach to the “Kick it like Messi” prompt exemplifies the versatility of inspiration. Originally a fantasy and moral dilemma prompt about magic football boots, Sana reimagined it through the lens of realistic fiction. She crafted a tale about a soccer-loving boy embarking on a mysterious quest guided by anonymous notes. It’s a beautiful illustration of how writers can mold prompts to fit their unique storytelling style.
Margaret’s interpretation of the “Chessboard of Life” prompt showcases the depth of symbolism in creative writing. What began as a prompt to explore the symbolic meanings of chess pieces evolved into a fantasy battle narrative. Her story, featuring a simple pawn’s potential to overthrow a king, is a vivid example of how writers can infuse layers of meaning and metaphor into their work.
Bhoomi’s “The Guardians of the Stone of Life” is a perfect example. Stemming from “The Whispering Woods” prompt, Bhoomi conjured a world where trees communicate and safeguard a magical stone. This story illustrates the transformative power of a single prompt, turning a small idea into an enchanting narrative.
Remy’s “Yoda Dumbvisory” was born out of a different kind of inspiration – discussions within our Writers’ 45 workshops. His story imagines a conversation between Yoda and Dumbledore, two iconic characters from different universes, demonstrating how creative ideas can emerge from collaborative thinking and dialogue.
Sakura’s “Adventures in Oz” is another example of the diversity of inspiration sources. Originating from a DI project, Sakura brought her ideas into the Writers’ 45 workshops, weaving them into a captivating narrative that now graces the pages of our anthology.
Each story in our anthology is a testament to the boundless creativity of our young writers. They exemplify how diverse sources of inspiration, be it a structured prompt or an informal workshop discussion, can ignite the imagination, leading to extraordinary tales.
Each story in our anthology is a testament to the boundless creativity of our young writers. They exemplify how diverse sources of inspiration, be it a structured prompt or an informal workshop discussion, can ignite the imagination, leading to extraordinary tales.
I believe in the fluidity of ideas in writing about what gets the heart racing. This ethos has seen our writers leap forward in their writing skills, mastering the nuances of storytelling. One Writers’ 45er said that writing here feels personal and fun, unlike restrictive school writing.
Compiling this anthology has been an adventure of its own—a huge shoutout to every young writer who poured their heart into this anthology. Your creativity and dedication are the soul of this project—a big thank you to the parents and guardians for your steadfast support and belief in creative expression. And to our readers, your embrace of this collection is a massive boost to our young writers.
As you dive into this anthology, I hope it brings you the same joy and inspiration it brought to us. It’s a celebration of young imagination, the art of storytelling, and the spirit of collaboration.
To learn more about Creative Genesis and join our vibrant community, visit our website and follow us on social media.
Here’s to the power of young imagination, the beauty of storytelling, and the joy of creating together.
Happy reading and even happier writing!
Warmly,
Brianne Wragg
About the Author
Brianne Wragg is a deschooled English teacher. She started as a copywriter, ghostwriter and editor for companies and individuals after leaving schools. She returned to education, working at Synthesis School before running a creative writing & mentorship program for kids aged 10-15 years old.
Read On
Imagine a space where your child can unleash their thoughts without barriers, where the clock encourages a thrilling chase of words. A Quick Write is this spirited sprint—a short, timed writing bout that challenges young minds to flow with creativity without the brakes of perfectionism.
The label’ teacher’ feels overly restrictive. I don’t want to critique or elevate one role over the others, but I wish to share why the labels of mentor and coach resonate more deeply with me.
The old woman finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper, yet it permeated the room with a ghostly resonance. “Secrets are heavy burdens. To release them, one must be prepared for the void they leave behind. It can be filled with something far weightier.”
Weekly writing sessions and community to develop creative thinking, writing skills, and imagination for kids ages 10 to 16.