Write Here, Write Now 2003 - Couverture souple

This exciting, inspirational and exhilarating book contains the winning entries in the 2003 Write Here, Write Now competition, run for the fourth year by the Department for Education and Skills.

All the children were given a choice of four pieces of writing, each started by a famous writer, which they had to complete.

The writers, representing the most creative people working today, were:

GILLIAN CROSS (story) - she has written over 40 books for children. 'The Demon Headmaster 'was turned into a successful television series. 'Wolf' won the Carnegie Medal in 1990 and 'The Great Elephant Chase' won the Whitbread Children's Novel Award.

'I love writing because it's like exploring. You discover all kinds of things as you go. And even if two people start from the same beginning, they always land up writing completely different stories. Try it and see!'

ADAM HART-DAVIS (persuasive writing) - a TV presenter and writer. He has written a book called 'What the Victorians Did for Us' to accompany his television series.

'People sometimes ask me how to start writing. The answer is, take a piece of paper and get some words down. Then think about them and change them to make it better, until it says what you want. I love writing, and the first thing I do in the morning is switch on my computer and start the day with a bit more of my next book.'

BRIN PATTEN (poem) - his poetry titles include 'Gargling with Jelly', 'Juggling With Gerbils' and 'The Puffin Book of Utterly Brilliant Poetry'.

'People remember good poems not only because of what they say, but because of the way they are written. Because ideas come when they want and not when I want, I always carry a pencil around with me and a small notebook or some paper. That way I can usually catch them before they vanish again.'

LIZO MZIMBA (journalism) - currently presents 'Newsround', the children's news programme on BBC1. He has also written for various magazines and newspapers, and has reported for the BBC's One O'Clock and Six O'Clock News.

'Writing is a wonderful way to share your experiences, opinions and insight with people and, of course, it's fun too!'

Misc.