Winner Scribbles Creative Writing Awards 2020
01 Dec 2020 | Written by Bernadette Kelly
I'm so thrilled to be able to announce that my entry, Big Bad Bill, has won the poetry category in the 2020 Scribbles Creative Writing Awards. This 'poem' was actually written as a rhyming picture book manuscript. It is the true, historical story of an Australian cavalry horse from the First World War, with a reputation for being unrideable, until a Major claimed him as his riding horse. While in the thick of battle, the horse performed an extraordinary feat of endurance and bravery to save the lives of four soldiers under fire, and in doing so gained a place in Australia's history books.
It was chosen as winner by a panel of five judges from within the children's book industry. They were; Kristin Gill, Judith Rossell, Lucinda Gifford, Danielle Binks, Felice Arena and Jen Storer. As a writer of stories, I'm always thrilled to know that someone has enjoyed reading them. To have such validation from such well respected children's book industry colleagues, well, that's a double, no, a triple thrill.
Judges Comments
A beautiful poem about loyalty and trust… nicely formed to tell a story within the framework and
structure of a poem. Rhythmical and gentle, this poem could be read by children across a broad
readership.
Packs up a punch as a standalone story. Skillfully told.
Lovely rhyme and rhythm, and a great story.
Gripping and original - Big Bad Bill is a stunner. The rhyme still needs tweaking in parts to feel
unforced, but this shouldn't be hard as the structure is so very sound. Big Bill's mercurial
temperament and bravery shine through in this superb poem.
Absolutely love this – such strong and memorable imagery and so evocative
Did I mention that this poem was intended as a rhyming picture book for children? Stay tuned. It's still too early to say too much, but a poetry award may be just the beginning for Big Bad Bill!
