Friday
saw the culmination of lots of hard work of dedicated young authors from around
Manchester. Earlier this year we partnered with the Manchester Literature Festival
and the Manchester Children’s Book Festival to launch "The Midland Future Manchester Young Writers Competition", a writing competition for
young people about the future of Manchester. There were so many fantastic
entries and the winner and runners up were announced at the event at MOSI on
Friday. Authors of brilliant science fiction spoke about their work and life at
the event, making it a brilliant event. Congratulations to winner Josh, the runners up and all the writers. Here’s a review of the event from local
blogger Hannah Clarke...
Having
only snippets of knowledge on the authors attending the Science Meets Fiction
event today at the Museum of Science and Industry, I wasn’t fully sure what to
expect. Would there be Doctor Who Daleks roaming the event? Would
there be a live experiment to show the public the advance of science? Would the
authors try to explain their own theories on time travel? You’ll soon see.
As I
sit in the MOSI, I quickly recognise there isn’t a better home for this event,
as the authors, Julie Bertanga, Jane Rogers and Saci Lloyd all delve into how
science inspires them and what role it plays in their novels.
As well
as the full room of 11-16 year-old students having their scientific minds in
top form, there is also a sense of anticipation, as this event will also reveal
the winners of ‘The Midland Future Manchester Young Writers Competition’,
judged by Julie Bertanga.
As each
author takes their place at a microphone, they all have their own way of
drawing the audience in and grabbing their full attention, enlightening and
inspiring us by talking about their inspirations, then reading short fragments
of their latest novels. Julie starts with her novel Exodus, the
first of a trilogy (Zenith andAurora are the second and
third books), where she shares with us how the idea of this novel came from
reading an article in a newspaper 10 years ago. The article itself was an SOS
from the South Sea Islands, as climate change was taking an unheard, dramatic
effect in the form of rising sea levels. The story follows Mara’s life 100
years from now after the impact of climate change. Julie also expresses how the
science of today has huge inspiration behind her work, such as the recent
discovery of the Higgs Boson (‘The God Particle’) and how this explores the
destructive and creative aspects of human nature.
Jane
Rogers is next with her novel The Testament of Jessie Lamb. Taking
place a mere six months in the future, the thought that not much can change is
deceiving. Jane takes long, dramatic pauses, intensifying the story, almost
bringing it to life. The novel explores a threat of biological terrorism as the
disease MDS (Maternal Death Syndrome) starts to attack. By targeting pregnant
women, it is quickly evident that this will soon be the cause of a shrinking
population. The novel explores an inter-generational conflict between the
youths and their elders with the characters having to succeed in finding a
solution, which the previous generation failed to do.
Last to
speak is the very animated, and funny, Saci Lloyd. Saci quickly informs us that
she sees herself as a political writer and rather than basing her novels in the
future with futuristic ideas, she enjoys taking today’s problems and twisting
them. The audience is quickly engaged in Saci’s lively presence, guaranteeing
laughter from everyone when reading a critical email from someone who said the
future in her book wasn’t ‘realistic’ enough as the car company Saab have
stopped creating a model which featured in her books. Reading from her novel Momentum,
we hear how the characters Uma and Hunter are in London where parkour is
popular, even more so than getting the bus.
We get
to the Q&As. I learn how the ideas can advance just like science and how
important science is within literature. We are told that science should support
the story rather than the other way round.
“Take an idea and run with it.”
A member of the audience
asks the authors how long it takes them to write a novel. Saci and Julie say
roughly 1 to 2 years, whereas Julie says 5. They also share how not every novel
they write finds instant fame and success. Exoduswas difficult to get
published and also sell in North America. Julie also received emails from
librarians telling her to stop writing ‘scary, climate-changing stories’. Tips
get passed around on how to overcome procrastination; turning off the internet
being one of the top ones.
“Writing
is like snakes and ladders.”
Now is
the time to reveal the winners of the competition and present the top three
with signed copies of the books from today's authors on top of a pocket video
camera for first prize.
Third
place belongs to Rubab Zahra, with After the Dark Days
Second
place belongs to Joseph Arthur Smith, with Fodder
First
place belongs to Josh Degenhardt, with When the Rain Falls They Talk of
Manchester
Julie
finishes by reading the dramatic, edge-of-seat, winning piece. One thing is
clear, these authors better watch out!
Some of you
may have been lucky enough to see the meteorite streaking through the sky
in the UK last weekend. This event gives you the chance to get your hands on
real pieces of space rock over 4 billion years old and look at moon rocks
brought back to Earth by the Apollo astronauts. We’ll also hear about the ways
in which scientists are using these ancient rocks to explain the mysteries of
our solar system! Can’t wait! 
