Hot Key Books snaps up Laura Dockrill’s ‘kind, warm and funny' creative writing guide for teens  

Hot Key Books, an imprint of Bonnier Books UK, has acquired a non-fiction creative writing guide from Laura Dockrill that “encourages mental wellbeing and helps young readers discover their voice”.

Jenny Jacoby, editor, acquired world rights including translation for You Are a Story from Jodie Hodges at United Agents. It will publish in paperback on 4th May 2023.

“Using the tools of creative writing, You Are a Story encourages young people, especially teenagers, to find, use and celebrate their voice,” the publisher’s synopsis reads.

“The book is guided by Laura’s experience teaching the Guardian Masterclass series and her school visits, and is filled with creative prompts, tips and stories from Laura as well as input from other established authors such as Nikesh Shukla and Liz Pichon. Illustrated by Lotte Cassidy and written in a funny and warm tone, the book’s mental health angle is also approved by a clinical psychologist.”

Dockrill commented: “Writing is pretty much free and yet this unassuming skill can take you anywhere. When you write you can do anything, become anyone. When you write, there is no competition; it is a safe place, a touchstone, a love-letter of promise to yourself.

“Writing is a chance to escape; it is wide-awake dreaming, a way to time-travel, to explore and run wild, but it is also a way to look inwards, to hold ourselves close, to understand ourselves and others around us too. The past few years have left us all vulnerable and raw, now more than ever, young people need to be reminded of their voices. Writing is such an important and precious skill that can help empower, process and comfort in challenging times.

“Look, I am not the greatest at writing, my spelling and grammar are all over the place, my handwriting is a mess and I am by no means an academic. But I do believe that everybody can write. All it takes to create is a heart and a brain. And with a pen you have a wand, and your story is magic.”

Jacoby added: “This is the book I wish I had had when I was a teenager. Adolescence can be full of emotion but not necessarily with anywhere to channel it. With so many influences pulling you in different directions, the tool of creative writing is an amazing way to get in touch with yourself and find your voice and express yourself honestly. 

“With her kind, warm and funny voice, Laura is the best person to write this book as she draws on her huge experience in leading creative writing masterclasses as well as writing for children of all ages.”