Scottish Book Trust launches young writers programme

Reading charity Scottish Book Trust today launched What’s Your Story?, a new programme to increase opportunities for young writers in Scotland.

Funded by Time to Shine, Creative Scotland’s arts strategy for young people, the programme will connect young writers using writer groups, workshops, online strategies, and an annual two-day conference.

“Scottish Book Trust knows that the most powerful way to increase literacy is through inspiring a love of reading and writing,” said Caitrin Armstrong, head of writer development at Scottish Book Trust. “Scotland boasts a thriving literary scene, but there are still far fewer opportunities for young writers than there are for other young artists, and no obvious way for them to find support.”

The trust is currently looking for 10 people aged 14-17 with an interest in creative writing to help develop the programme. Young people with any interest in genres including prose, poetry, storytelling, illustration, graphic novel writing, songwriting, scriptwriting, editing, journalism, blogging and criticism can apply via the website by 28th September. At least one place will be given to a Gealic speaker.

Jenny Niven, head of literature, languages and publishing at Creative Scotland, said: “The enjoyment of writing and reading is something adults enjoy collectively all the time, through reading or writing groups, attending book festivals, readings or events, or joining discussions online and its terrific to see this begin to be developed more specifically for younger writers and readers. The combination of mentoring, writing groups, the writers conference and the online platform is a real step forward in provision for young people interested in writing and literature.”