Future Creations - Issue no. 4 (2021)

Future Creations a zine for young people, created by young people. volume 4 - new beginnings

Acknowledgement of Country We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the country on which we are able to learn, create and grow; the Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Peoples, and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples that experience and enjoy this zine.

This is a safe space for all people Whatever the colour of your skin, your background, your gender identity and expression, ability, age, religion, sex, or sexual orientation, we hope that you can find enjoyment in our publication. You are just as welcome in this space as any other person, and your time is very much appreciated.

Enjoy!

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Untitled by Anonymous

The Forest

What We’re Reading...

Annelise Keirsten-Wakefield

Reviews by the Future Creations Team

Sand stuck to her cheek and the pervasive smell of brine was all around. Water lapped at her legs, around her torso. When she was able to move her limbs, she pulled herself up and found herself standing on an empty beach.

Four Dead Queens

Deserted.

She looked back at the water. She didn’t remember where she had come from. Was there anyone out there, looking for her? Was someone calling across the waves? Or had she come into existence on this beach, here, now?

She looked at the forest at the edge of the sand. She didn’t know what, if anything, lived there, but she felt the darkness lingering under the canopy offer up some kind of invitation.

She walked into the forest, and the trees welcomed her.

Astrid Scholte

Review by Annelise Keirsten-Wakefield

Four Dead Queens is the 2019 debut novel of Melbourne-based writer Astrid Scholte. The book centres on the mysterious murders of the queens of Quadara, who are being assassinated one by one.

The main character, Keralie, is a ‘dipper’ who steals goods to be sold on the blackmarket. When she gets caught up in the plot against the queens, she has no choice but to help figure out who’s behind the murders. Keralie is a believable and compelling protagonist who struggles with doing the right thing, as it often conflicts with her desire for self-preservation. Her quick wit, cynicism and slightly skewed moral compass make for an entertaining read.

Despite some issues I have with the last couple of chapters – the romance, which had been nuanced and sweet, becoming over the top with lines like “You restarted my heart. You brought me to life, Keralie Corrington,” and the story being wrapped up a little too neatly – it’s an enjoyable read and a suspenseful page-turner. I would recommend it to readers who like fantasy settings, complex characters, and intrigue.

Darkest Minds Alexandra Bracken

Review by A.J. Eddy

When teens mysteriously develop powerful new abilities, they are declared a threat by the government and detained. One of the most powerful young people, Ruby, escapes from her camp and joins a group of runaways who are seeking a safe haven. The Darkest Minds is a thrilling dystopian novel about a group of kids who developed strange and powerful abilities. These kids became known as Psi and where imprisoned in camps. Ruby Daly escapes her camp and finds herself on the run with three other Psi who are trying to find somewhere safe. It’s a fantastic story of friendship, trust, and finding self-worth, mixed with a captivating plot, well written characters, and incredible fights. Other books in the series include: Never Fade and In the Afterlight, as well as Through the Dark that is a collection of short stories that fit in between the novels, and the series continuation, The Darkest Legacy.

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New Beginnings Word Search

A.J. Eddy

By Anonymous

It’s okay.

Sometimes we stumble and fall, Sometimes our determination fades as we lie in the dirt wondering why we try, But don’t let it define you.

A chip in the marble or a blemish on the stone does not define a statue; it is still a fine piece of art.

The radiance of the sun doesn’t stop the moon from rising or the stars from shining.

When harsh winds blow and rain falls, breaking the delicate threads of a spider’s web and washing the intricate pattern away, that doesn’t stop the spider; once the rain passes and the wind grows still, they try again—weaving another web of silk—and rainbows paint the sky with colour as the grey clouds roll away.

A new seedling breaks through the arid ground, reaching up towards the sky as it greets the world. It’s small and frail; it would be easy for it give up and fade away—after all, how could it compare to the blossoming flowers and towering pine trees?

But it doesn’t.

The leaves darken to emerald and the hunched sprout straightens proudly. It soaks in the sunlight as it rises to the challenges the world around it.

It’s okay to stumble, fall, and lose your way, but that doesn’t mean you should give up.

No effort is ever meaningless.

You can rise again.

You can start again.

So don’t give up.

Keep trying.

Begin and Begin Again A.J. Eddy Once upon a time…

In a land far away…

It was a dark and stormy night…

It was just a normal day…

Everyone always tells you how you should start your story—no exposition, no cliches, no this, no that. But what does it matter, as long as the story is told in the end?

You spend so much time caught up in your head, trying to think of the right way to start—the right words to captivate your audience—that you never write anything. You start to creates so much pressure that it feels like the mountain of scrunched up balls of paper by the bin is crushing you and the growing stain of ink is leeching into your soul rather than the paper.

You start to panic. You feel like an imposter. You feel as though your story is not worth telling.

But it is.

My advice: just write. You can always change it later, you can cut out the cliches and the exposition, and give your story a new beginning but all that matters is that your story begins.

So, begin, because you can always begin again.

It’s your story.

Write it.

Spring Blossom by Elizabeth Morrell @lizard.creations