Moama Grammar student Matilda Medland, winner of the junior section in the Echuca-Moama Festival of Stories Storywriter Competition.
Like the ever-shifting waters of the Murray, memory, time, and identity flow through the work of emerging writer Matilda Medland.
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The 17-year-old Moama Grammar student took out top honours in the junior section of the Echuca-Moama Festival of Stories storywriter competition.
Entering a creative writing competition for the first time, Matilda claimed first place with her piece, She Through Time is I.
Using a non-linear narrative, her entry explores time, memory, and ageing through the symbol of a river.
The piece examines how our sense of self endures despite the physical changes which come with age, and how the different chapters of a life remain deeply interconnected.
Matilda explained the piece grew out of a desire to look at how past and present interact.
"I was interested in exploring that relationship ― between past and present ― particularly how memory shapes our understanding of time and identity," she said.
"I developed the river as a central metaphor for continuity and change, using imagery and shifts in perspective to gradually reveal the connection between the character's different stages of life."
Crafting the complex structure in this way presented its own set of creative challenges during the draft process.
"The most challenging aspect was developing the non-linear structure and ensuring the transitions between different stages of life felt cohesive," she said.
"I also wanted to use symbolism and imagery to convey meaning without over-explaining the narrative, allowing readers to form their own interpretations."
Matilda credited her English advanced teacher, Ms Rolfe, and the broader English department for pushing her to take the leap and submit her work.
"Ms Rolfe encouraged our English advanced class to enter," Matilda said.
"As it was my first writing competition, I saw it as an opportunity to extend my creative writing beyond the classroom and explore how my work might be received by a wider audience."
Matilda won the junior section with her story, She Through Time is I.
When the winning announcement was made, Matilda could hardly believe it.
“I entered without any particular expectations, so having my work recognised was both rewarding and encouraging.”
“It also gave me greater confidence in my ability to develop and communicate ideas through creative writing.”
Matilda draws inspiration from complex human experiences, using abstract concepts and literary devices to bring them to life.
She cites Samantha Harvey's novel Orbital as a key influence, particularly for its evocative imagery and connection to the natural world.
While still exploring where her interest in creative writing may lead, Matilda said being part of the Festival of Stories was a meaningful milestone.
"It's meaningful to have my work recognised as part of the festival, particularly as this was my first writing competition," she said.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to an event celebrating storytelling, and the experience has encouraged me to take my writing more seriously and continue refining my skills.
“The experience has encouraged me to continue developing my writing and consider further opportunities ― as well as reinforcing the value of experimenting with ideas and sharing work beyond the classroom.
“Although I'm still exploring where my interest in creative writing might lead.”
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