We are learning to edit our writing.

We completed a piece of writing based on a prompt. The prompt I chose was my own choice of creative writing.

We learned how to correct some common errors in our writing and then we edited our writing.

Here is my writing:

Edward stood in front of hundreds of wealthy businessmen, all laughing about the speech he had just given about protecting the environment. He was an expert on all things production and environmentalism, and he wanted to share his knowledge for everybody’s benefit. However, the old men were having none of it, chuckling and pointing at Edward like he was some barbaric buffoon. But this was no baseless prophecy, the climate crisis was real, and the state of the Earth was embarrassing.

An old man yelled across the dimly lit room, pointing his stubby index finger at Edward. “And how is this my problem?” He called, clearing his throat with a sickening sound. Edward stared blankly at him, wondering how the man could think that way after the speech. Suddenly, a loud crash deafened the hall, and the lights flickered off. People were yelling as chaos ensued, but all were silenced when a mysterious noise filled the room. Hundreds of phone flashlights lit up in search of the source, and they landed on a peculiar, foreign device.

A sleek metal reflected the bright lights, and across this ring were a few circular windows that revealed the interior of the vehicle. From the top, a green dome opened to allow the operators to exit. Various creatures emerged, some small, some large. A few humanoid, others animalistic. A red creature, seemingly the leader, lifted a small, grey rectangle with the third of its six tentacles. “Translator!” It blared, almost comical given the setting.

Edward gathered himself quickly, the initial shock subsiding and being replaced with curiosity. “Why are you here?” He said slowly, making sure to articulate his words carefully for the translator. After a moment, the translator began to speak, a strange symphony being received by the aliens. The leader nodded in understanding, and replied. “We are here to analyse the environment of the planet you call Earth.” The alien looked expectantly at Edward. His jaw fell open in surprise, and the businessmen whispered amongst themselves. “From what we have seen so far, the way you care for your land is laughable, and your planet will soon be in an irreparable state.” The red leader continued, and some of its cohort let out a noise that might’ve been considered a laugh on their planet. They were making fun of the earthlings.

Edward turned to face the flushed businessmen, who finally understood the scale of their actions. “Do you see now? Do you see what this was about?” Edward spat. The man from earlier spoke up, not looking Edward in the eye. “Tell them about your… environmental science, or whatever it is.” He coughed into his hand with embarrassment. Edward grinned, whipping around to face the aliens and gleaming with pride. He told them about the new projects they were working on to better the Earth, and the anticipated results. The aliens listened intently, and when Edward finished, they began to speak again.

“We acknowledge the efforts you are making, and wish you the best in your endeavours.” The crimson alien said, putting the translator back into the vehicle before hopping in itself. It gestured to the rest of the crew, and they followed in suit. They rose into the sky, fixing the hall with some sort of other-worldly magic. Edward waved towards the night sky, feeling reinvigorated and more determined than ever. He would be the one to make the change, and there was no stopping him now.