After fiver years of running the competition, we have enjoyed adapting wintery stories into video storybooks.
Every year, we love to host a Winter-themed writing competition to showcase the creativity of our autistic community and how poignant moving their stories and poetry can be. Winter is a time that can be a hard for a lot of people - heavy emotions and cold nights can put a dampener on anyone.
We hope that these written works can give you a nice tingly warm feeling, ready for your winter holidays!
This year's theme was "Chills".
The winner of this competition has their work transformed and adapted into a unique video art piece we call a 'video storybook'.
Click here to view last year's entry, "Little Dino All Alone" by Keziah Gibson-Matthews.
Of course, the process of picking a winner is very hard for our team as all of the written works are always inspiringly wonderful. We receive so many stories and poems of all genres. We ask each member of our staff to read them and see which ones best resonate with them and display the theme of "Chills" most effectively.
Anyway, without further introduction!
The winner of the Winter Writing Contest 2024 is...
Helen Mills with their story, "Pom and Dash".
Enjoy their video storybook adaptation here!
Here is their short story:
"Pom and Dash"
by Helen Mills
Polar bears are very used to the cold
but Pom was not like the polar bears of old,
She much preferred the warmth of the sun
and avoided the ice and indeed everyone.
All cosy and snuggled down in her den
Pom knew that the snowstorm would come again,
In the meantime she played with her paws
and made all sorts of sounds with the snap of her jaws.
Night soon fell and the land became still
except for a lemming on the top of the windbeaten hill,
Dash had lost his way as the snow fell heavy
and yearned for his home and a piping hot bevy,
but all of this was a distant dream
as Dash’s feet became stuck to the frostbitten stream.
Pom then heard a terrible cry
and she leapt out of her den to investigate nearby,
She found Dash whimpering and cold to the core
but lemmings were prey and that was the law,
but pity overcame Pom and she breathed on his feet,
which released them from the ice-cold sheet.
Dash was now free to go on his way
but it was deep in the night and home was many miles away
So Pom nestled down in her den with a new little friend
and the two snored to slumber till the night drew to an end.
The next morning Dash wanted to play,
but Pom became nervous about the cold of the day,
The den was safe, familiar and warm
and Dash’s request made Pom feel very much torn.
With a lot of encouragement Pom eventually gave in
and followed Dash as if he were kin,
The two danced and made snowballs together
despite the harsh and wintry weather.
And even when Pom was struggling with the chills,
she searched with Dash across the barren hills.
The little lemming found his home nearby
and poor Pom began to cry,
She’d finally learnt that the cold could be fun
and that you didn’t have to stick to the sun
For within the heart of both Dash and Pom,
is the fear of change, the fear of everyone.
(Helen Mills, 2024)
Congratulations to Helen for your absolutely fantastic story!
We love the adventure the two main characters and how they overcame their nature and found a truly wonderful friendship.
Now, we'd love to share our favourite stories we received from the Winter Writing Contest below.
But please, before reading these, please consider supporting Faraway in the delivery of our social groups, community projects and services.
With your support, we can support autistic people near you to access their community, better understand their diagnoses and reduce their social isolation.
All of us at Faraway would like to thank everyone who submitted their work for taking part and sharing their enthusiasm and creativity with us.
We hope you enjoy all of these wintery works ⛄
"Freds Adventures: First Foot Forward"
by Ellie-Mae Jacobs
Fred is a penguin just like any other, well almost like any other.
For after all he has his father’s eyes and his sister's sense of humour, no one can deny Fred is just like his mother.
Full of curiosity and longing for adventure
Fred wanted to explore to find elves and fairies,
so he goes sneaking out the door.
“It's okay,” Fred tells himself “I'll be back before dawn.”
Off he wanders through blankets of snow, heading North or at least he thinks so.
He walks and walks, never stopping, “It's been ages now and somethings gotta start happening.”
There's nothing to do and nothing to see then he sees a forest and bounces with glee.
The trees are so crowded there's hardly room to breathe but look, an opening peeking through the leaves.
He runs at it, finally an adventure.
Dense green trees hug him all over as he jumps over logs and slips on hard water,
icicles and animals are all over.
Smiling he takes it all in with wonder…but the excitement trickles away the longer he's there.
What's happening at home?
Do they know he's not there?
The sun has gone to bed and the stars wave hello.
Snowflakes start falling. “Oh, it's starting to snow.”
It's getting quite chilly and now the trees look big and scary.
He turns to go home, “I'll come back tomorrow when it's sunny.”
But realizes he's lost and alone
He just wants to go home.
However he's no longer alone
A bear as white as the snow locks eyes with him.
He's a big brave boy just like mother says,
but he can't move.
As the bear comes closer, he shut his eyes, only to be picked up and taken inside.
He feels a weight around his neck, what if its claws?
As his eyes flutter open he spots instead a fluffy red scarf keeping him warm.
A family of polar bears had taken him in, kept him warm and fed him.
He’s grateful but he'd rather be home,
and though he's surrounded he feels so alone
“Do you by any chance know the way back home, it's somewhere south of here I hope”
Smallest of all of them a bear nudges him back hinting to get on its back.
And so off they set into the night under sparkling stars.
They walk through piles of snow and towering trees, and is that the northern lights he sees.
Though he didn't find his fairy, it's been quite an adventure.
He has such stories to tell when he gets back home.
As the sun starts to rise and Fred's getting sleepy he startles as he spots a chimney.
He thanks his new friend for bringing him home.
He rushes inside to his worrying family and squeezes them tight
“I'm sorry I snuck out.”
Its okay they're just glad he's home
Just make sure to take them next time so he's not so alone
(Ellie-Mae Jacobs, 2024)
"Change in the Season"
by Traci Neal
A queen lives in a far away land.
Townspeople touch souls
as they join hand in hand.
Winter comes bringing chills
to the castle’s interior.
Nothing is colder
than the royal
looking through the mirror.
Once she sees
an unusual creature,
she dislikes every
unappealing feature.
Her heart turns
into hard, horrid ice.
She calls forth her helpers
to find her something nice.
They search one by one
to each castle door.
As they travel,
they observe many smiles
among the poor.
Townspeople seem glad,
although all around them,
it appears to be so bad.
They say to the helpers
who curiously care,
“The only way we have joy
is the sacrifices we share.
Give what you have.
Others will see.
The best part of living is
love that sets hearts free.”
The helpers return
holding a small, simple gift.
They find the queen quivering
from a breezy, strong drift.
Her highness feels frozen.
Her face is the color blue.
The helpers have the answer.
Cozy feelings do come true.
They open the gift
and love fills the air.
The queen’s ice melts
along with her despair.
She asks her helpers
“What put things
in its proper place?”
They tell her how love can
cover any empty space.
The queen questions those
who gave them this treasure.
The helpers tell her it is
the townspeople’s good pleasure.
Now, the queen understands
where she must go.
She runs off into town
giving love like Santa Clause
with a ho-ho-ho.
Seasons change so much
in this far away land.
Winter is when more
decide to join
hand in hand.
After the queen
looks upon the mirror,
she is happy to find,
a beauty smiling back at her.
Love is one of a kind.
(Traci Neal, 2024)
"On the Night Before Winter Arrives"
by Carlo Guinita
In an old memory of one midnight weary
Weights lifted down shoulders along empty streets
Blues blurted in the wind from a deep sigh
Stride longing for a thrill in rhyme with the slow clock ticking
A soft and cold breeze caresses the familiar glum faces
One silver and ivory gently glides down the cheeks
From a silent night, snow begins to spritefully fall to a worried gaze
Winter arrives in a surprise that pleased the eye
Tenderness befalls and sweep the gloom in the air
For the heart that has been strucked of fatigue
Wasn't frigid bringing chill to the spine
But a mellow cry that soothes the anxious heart into the subtle night
The snow continuously falls to empty gaps and spaces
Filling the voids of every streets and alleys
While it was cold outside but warms the heart
Chants are heard for a joyful song and the lights start dancing on their own.
(Carlo Guinita, 2024)
"I take the Icy Winter"
by Olivia-Grace
I wonder if that icy, nose-biting winter wind dances, rather than blows.
And we just can’t see it.
I wonder if children really do go on magical adventures with those snowmen they build with buckets of love and excitement.
And we just can’t comprehend it.
I wonder if that happy, red-breasted robin is whistling Christmas Carols as he hops past.
And we just can’t hear them.
I wonder if those busy squirrels are gathering nuts to make stew when the curtains in their dens are closed for the cosy season.
And we just can’t ask them.
I wonder if we once knew these secrets of the magic of winter when we, too, were wide-eyed children, playing with our snowmen.
And we just can’t remember them.
(Olivia-Grace, 2024)
"Made with Love"
by Laura Nolan
Rose pulled the blanket around her while keeping her hands clear to knit. If she breathed through her nose, her breath wasn’t as visible, making it seem less cold. She wriggled her toes to prevent them going numb. She rocked gently in the chair, humming to herself. The only beat was the click of the needles as her fingers did their best to keep working.
Christmas Eve was tomorrow, and Rose needed to work fast if she would have the new hats and scarves ready for the grandchildren. She spent the last of her pension on wool from the charity shop instead of heating the house. It was stone cold and not a drop of hot water without boiling a kettle.
Click, the needles went. The wool quickly grew into garments she would wrap with love. She felt guilty not being able to afford fancy presents. She was glad she wouldn’t see their little disappointed faces on Christmas morning when amongst the toys they would find another handmade hat and scarf.
The afternoon darkened. Rose lit a candle. Hopefully it would give enough light to see, and she wouldn’t complain about any fraction of heat from it. Her stomach growled, but she ignored the familiar sensation of hunger.
An hour later the last hat was finished. Ten matching sets to be wrapped and delivered tomorrow. Rose smiled, blew out the candle and went to bed, taking the blanket with her.
***
“Thanks, Mum,” Harriet took the bag of presents. As usual, she didn’t invite her mum in. She really must try and spend more time with her next year, but she was so busy.
“Thanks, Rose,” her daughter-in-law Penny took the bag of presents. She was glad she got on well with her mother-in-law but was far too busy to still and have a cuppa with her just now.
“Thanks, Mum,” Jake kissed her on the cheek as he took the bag of presents and waved goodbye. She would find it too noisy in their house with three young children. He would make time in the new year to see her.
Rose shivered as she walked home. She glanced through windows of lit up houses at families all excited for Santa’s visit. Maybe one year she would be asked to spend the day with hers. She missed the sound of children playing.
***
Ten children opened their present from Grandma. No disappointment on a single face. They stroked soft handmade scarves and pulled hats onto their heads. Each had a matching set in their favourite colour. Each knew Grandma made them with love.
“Mum, Dad, can Grandma have dinner with us?” Caleb asked Harriet.
“Can I say thank you to Grandma and give her a Christmas hug?” Max asked Penny.
“Daddy, can Grandma build a snowman with me while I wear these?” Little Evan asked Jake.
At home, wrapped in her blanket, not a single present to open, Rose’s phone began to ring. She wouldn’t be alone much longer.
(Laura Nolan, 2024)
"Warmth in the Cold"
By Avril Shakira Villar
An unpleasant sensation runs throughout the course of their bodies.
As Ella and her three fellow homeless children are covered in frozen stardust,
trying to search for a place where it could feel like home somehow,
where their cold bodies will find the warmth they need.
Under a snow-draped roof, they found a shelter where a happy family is enjoying the winter by the fireplace.
Longing to mirror their happiness,
wishing their hearts could find such a hearth,
a sadness creeps into their soul and settles deep.
Picturing an image of cozy moments where the cold is just a guest,
through the frosted window, the sheltered children caught Ella and her companions shivering outside.
So, they invited them over to play inside.
The parents empathized with them and opened the doors wide, welcoming them until the cold no longer bites.
The mother's eyes clouded with tears, seeing the conditions of the children.
She wraps them in her arms, as though they were her own flesh and blood.
She gave them fresh clothes over their fragile bodies, including sweaters.
The homeless children are elated to feel welcomed in a place they can now call home, even if just temporarily.
The father offers them sweet cookies and rich hot chocolate.
After hours of starving, their laughter spills in the air.
As they savour each bite and sip with grateful hearts and shiny eyes,
after eating and warming up, all the children decide to play together freely.
As they watch the children, they can't help but feel ecstatic. Finally, in that golden moment, they both decide to adopt these children and make them part of the family.
(Avril Shakira Villar, 2024)
Content Warning:
This story contains depictions of violence and abuse. Reader discretion is advised. The content may be distressing or triggering for some individuals. Please proceed with caution and take care of your mental and emotional well-being.
"Another Bottomless Pit"
By Ash Hope
Another bottomless pit.
Another night of spitting and battering.
Another breakfast served by the bottom of his boot, and a bottled-up secret.
I’m breaking – fast.
As he throws his stones over water that’s already troubled.
When he hits me, I split like a wave would a pebble.
I’m brittle – pathetic.
I’m little – a fallacy.
I’m motionless, as he walks right over me.
Over and over again.
With his stone-cold motion.
He doesn’t even wave goodbye to me.
He treds too fast to even notice me.
He wouldn’t even know if there’s mud on his feet, as he leaves.
Fiercely, he kicks at the leaves and I feel his heels digging the fields up.
My fear starts flickering within, as my tears start trickling again.
I plead on my knees but he hails me again with his stone-cold motion.
As he freezes, I hail him.
His servant – even less.
His irrelevant slave that he gave to the pavement.
Waiting, for him.
Listening, until later that day I can hear someone whistling.
It’s him, on his way in.
No time to hide, as he wades in – with his wide size nine’s.
He just wanders around on his own Cloud 9.
I’m nothing but a welcome mat to his world.
Worse, I don’t even matter that much to him.
He says no words worth anything to me.
I cower. I’m lonely.
Broken.
Waiting.
He wellies me again.
I don’t want this. It’s chilling.
I often wonder – when will he empty me out completely?
One last stomp, as he’s lost it. Then he’s lost me.
I wish. I can’t live like this.
I can’t let him win what’s left of me, and tear me to pieces.
My last drop of peace just a tear in the wind, in the winter.
I’m frozen.
Just a body of water – dreaming.
Of a beach.
Of a sea.
Of somebody’s daughter, paddling.
Or a son, playing in the water.
Or a pool, laying by the sun.
Even a pond.
Even a swamp.
I just ponder around in my own lost paradise.
Waiting.
For the day I’m not another pathetic little puddle, on the path.
Waiting.
For the day I finally freeze over.
Waiting.
For the day he finally falls over.
(Ash Hope, 2024)
"Of Family & Winter"
By Yewande Akinse
After autumn comes winter
in full frost and chills
I am found, sheltered and whole
within a blanket’s blue bulk
After Thanksgiving comes Christmas
in full thrust and throttle
I am found, grateful
within the pillars and walls of my home
After chills comes warmth
in fullness of time and season
I am found, sheltered and whole
within a cold, cold world
After night comes day
in fullness of sunrise
I am found, grateful
within the family of love and belonging
After autumn comes winter
in full frizzle and dazzle
I am found, here
within a little home, camping at the fireplace.
(Yewande Akinse, 2024)
We'd love to hear which of the winter stories and poems were your favourites, please leave a comment below about your favourite one and what you liked about it.
We wouldn't be able to deliver fun competitions like this if it wasn't for the ongoing donations and help of our supporters.
Click here - If you want to find out more about how you can support Faraway to deliver projects and services that empower neurodivergent people and make the greater community more accessible for everyone.
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