When teenager Jasmine Harvey received a WhatsApp message informing her that she was about to become an internationally published author, her initial reaction was disbelief. “I was midway through my walk and I got a notification, my music paused … it was really just a shock,” she recounted.
The 14-year-old from Mount Isa, a remote town in Queensland’s outback, had emerged as one of 11 winners in an international writing competition. The prize was a dream come true for any writer: publication.
Jasmine Harvey’s short story was among those selected in the competition, marking a significant milestone in her budding literary career. “I don’t think it has sunk in yet; it’s still sort of a fever dream,” she admitted. Despite her passion for reading, Jasmine had only recently begun exploring creative writing.
Fostering Young Talent in the Outback
Jasmine’s journey began with the Mount Isa Library’s Young Writers Group, which launched last year. “I didn’t think anyone else would be into writing,” Jasmine said. “It was just relieving to know there were other people who were like me.”
The Young Writers Group, a fortnightly workshop for individuals aged 14 to 21, was initiated by facilitator Kaitlin Ryan in early 2024. She observed that the library was not attracting many teenagers and young adults. “At the start, we didn’t think we’d get anyone coming in [for the sessions],” Ms. Ryan said. “It was very much a niche interest, especially in Mount Isa.”
However, the program has grown significantly, with up to a dozen young people attending each session. The success of the group has led to the creation of another group for younger writers, aged nine to 12. “It gives them a safe space to connect with other young people, to share the same goals and interests,” Ms. Ryan noted. “And it’s a skill they can take far into their lives, not just as a hobby.”
The Therapeutic Power of Writing
For 14-year-old Rory Jones, who joined the group last year, the sessions have offered more than just writing skills. “It’s kind of like therapy,” Rory explained. “It can help get things off their chest that they couldn’t say to people in person.”
In a town where mining and engineering dominate the landscape, the group provides a much-needed creative outlet. At 18, Riley Casey is one of the older members and enjoys mentoring younger writers. “There’s not too much out here,” Ms. Casey said. “That’s why I felt it was really important to reach out to the writers’ group and just start showing up.”
However, she expressed concerns about the future for young creatives in remote areas, especially with the rising cost of living. “I do feel slightly stuck because of the cost-of-living crisis; everything’s quite expensive,” she said. “How can you make a living as an artist?”
From Local Group to International Stage
Jasmine Harvey credits the support and guidance from the writing group for her success in getting her dystopian story, The Keeper, published. “When I started, I wasn’t ready to share anything at all that I had written, but then I could slowly share stuff with other people, I could get feedback,” she said.
The Once Upon In Our Minds competition, founded in 2022 by 11-year-old Ridhhaan Jaiin, invites aspiring writers aged five to 16 from around the world to submit their short stories. Jasmine discovered the competition while seeking opportunities for young writers online. Her 2,500-word story now features in the winning collection of 11 short stories in the competition’s third iteration.
Competition organisers praised Jasmine’s story for its originality and emotional resonance, securing her a well-deserved spot among the winners.
Each day, Jasmine eagerly anticipates the arrival of a physical copy of her first published work. “I haven’t had a copy in my hands yet; it’s still sort of surprising,” she said.
The announcement of Jasmine’s success highlights the significant impact of community initiatives like the Young Writers Group in nurturing young talent and providing pathways to global opportunities. As Jasmine and her peers continue to explore their creative potential, the future of storytelling in Mount Isa looks promising.
