Wesley Law was "shocked" when he discovered he had beaten out the competition to win the short story section of the Write4Fun Poetry and Short Story Writing Competition 2020.

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The 13-year-old entered the competition at the encouragement of his teacher Alex Wharton at Carinya Christian School and never expected to win.

"I was shocked. I thought it was a joke at first but then I was really happy," Wes said.

Though the teen aspires to be a doctor like his father, local GP Albert Law, he has a great love of reading and it was a science fiction book by writer Alex Scarrow that inspired his winning short story, Silence.

"I like seeing characters develop as they progress into the story - their decisions, their goals - and see how they pull on their goals," Wes said.

He had a great deal of practice writing stories in year 6 under the direction of Carinya teacher Robert Chapman and has since been encouraged in his writing by Mr Wharton.

While he can find it difficult to get started on a story, the year 7 student said once he has "momentum", he is off and running.

"I find it easier to get the middle part - the problem and solutions - but I find it hard to wrap it up in a nice way that doesn't feel rushed or unfinished," he said.

Mr Wharton said the class learnt about sustainable subtext last term and it was good to see Wes "reflecting on his learnings in this unit and adapting them to contexts outside of school".

"Wesley is a master storyteller, and regularly has the class enthralled by his ability to draw you in from the beginning when he shares his writing and thinking," Mr Wharton said.

"As this was a national competition, such opportunities and achievement are a win for us in rural communities, once again communicating that distance can be perceived as a disadvantage, but it can be overcome."

Waves crashed onto the rocks, startling seagulls nearby. The wind howled across the dark, menacing sea. Ants marched into their homes like seasoned soldiers, crabs scuttled into their sandy holes trembling and waiting. An almighty roar from the sea conjured a gargantuan storm that crackled with power. A tremendous droning noise filled the air as a cacophony of blood-curdling screams ripped through the planet. The storm unleashed a massive lightning bolt that raced across the sky and dragged its destructive fingers across the land. A thunderous boom was heard. Something emerged from the waves. Footprints appeared on the sand and all was silent.

Gideon kneeled onto the sand and whispered an ancient incantation. The storm growled and roared but accepted its fate as it slowly faded away. The sky cleared, and a blinding, heavenly light emanated from a cloud. A man descended, as graceful as a swan and landed behind Gideon. "I have answered your cry for help." The man said calmly. Gideon took a deep breath and spoke, "I need to destroy the Earth."

"The Earth has been irradiated after countless wars over the dwindling water sources." He explained. "I must end the suffering of this planet." He stated solemnly. The man from heaven reluctantly nodded in understanding. He blessed Gideon for the deadly journey ahead of him.

Thousands of unfinished holes pockmarked the surface of the Earth. Futile attempts to reach the centre of the Earth. All expeditions to harness the core's infinite power had failed. But Gideon was determined to end the anguish and suffering. He approached a hole and peered down. Somewhere down there was the solution. He took a deep breath and jumped.

The wind screamed at him, trying to blow him into the jagged walls of the hole. Gideon was an ancient sorcerer that had foreseen the death of the world. He had pleaded with world leaders to stop fighting but no-one listened. So he decided to live in the depths of the sea until the time came.

Approaching the centre, he spread his body out. His unique body suit allowed him to freefall safety. Sweat beaded on his face and flew away, ripped off by the wind. The heat was ferocious, uncontrollable energy. A ticking bomb Gideon thought, but he was the detonator.

His feet hit the rough, compact rock. Stalagmites jutting out from the floor. The fumes were intoxicating, forcing themselves into his body. Not long now. "Clunk!" His drill whirred to a halt. He squinted from the intense heat and saw it. A small pinhole opening that led to the core. This was it. He fumbled in his suit for the explosive. A tiny ball the size of a marble that had the potential to level entire countries. He licked his lips and swallowed. Temporary relief for his dry, parched throat. His eyes watered and released several minute rivers to flow down his face. "Goodbye sweet world," he croaked as he dropped the explosive into the hole. All was silent.