Rob Hankes

Name: Rob Hankes

Grade: 11

Category: Short Story

Title: “Still Life”

Who/what inspired you to submit to the Scholastic Art and Writing Competition?

“My father inspired me a lot (he’s an English teacher at Big Spring) and a lot of the English teachers that I’ve had.”

What do you like about it?

“I like everyone getting a chance to submit their own writing free of charge and everyone gets encouraged to develop themselves as writers.”

What are you most proud of?

“I am very proud of my short story because I usually write poetry so this is a big step for me.”

What do you look to for inspiration for your pieces?

“I take a lot of what I read and sort of see if I can put a different spin on it or put a similar topic into a new light.”

How does it feel to be a Gold Key Winner?

“I was pretty surprised when I heard about it; I definitely was not expecting to do this well.”

Who is your favorite author/artist?  What is one outstanding quote or piece from that author/artist that inspires you?

“I have to say the author of A Series of Unfortunate Events, Daniel Handler.  His entire writing style is amazing to me.”

Describe your winning piece.

“It’s about a man that has a mental illness so he talks to his tools but he actually makes friends with them.  So then he is prescribed a pill to cure his illness and in turn becomes more lonely.”