Web scheme to get Bebo generation hooked on books

Published on Saturday 1 August 2009 20:02

SCOTLAND is to get a teen literacy tsar in a bid to encourage the Bebo generation to read.

Over the centuries the country has produced a series of internationally acclaimed wordsmiths from Sir Walter Scott to JK Rowling.

But there are fears that this literary tradition could suffer as youngsters spend more time plugged into social networking sites and computer games, and less in the library.

Now the Scottish Book Trust (SBT) is to appoint a Virtual Writer in Residence who will use the internet to get adolescents hooked on reading and writing.

The successful candidate will be named next month following the success of an earlier pilot scheme.

The SBT has advertised for a dynamic teen fiction writer with a passion for inspiring young people and innovative ideas about how to do this.

Book Trust spokeswoman Jasmine Fassl said the virtual writer, so-called because they will not be based in a single location and will be working primarily online, would have a sizeable task on their hands.

She said: "It's a big challenge to encourage young people to spend time reading and writing at a time when there are so many other things for them to do with their spare time.

"But we are going to be trying lots of different ways of engaging with them through mediums that teenagers use.

"What people tend to overlook is that young people are communicating with one another more than ever, via e-mails, text messaging and social networking websites."

Fassl said booming sales of teen fiction franchises offered encouragement for the future.

She said: "Harry Potter is for slightly younger readers, but the Twilight books are making a huge impact.

"What I find absolutely amazing and very encouraging is that you are now seeing young people carrying the Twilight books as accessories – as well as reading them.

The four fantasy novels chronicle the life of Isabella "Bella" Swan, who moves to a new town and falls in love with a handsome vampire.

Written by American Stephenie Meyer, they have sold more than 53 million copies around the world and spawned a Hollywood movie starring Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson.

The virtual writer, who must be resident in Scotland, will receive an annual stipend of 3,500 with additional fees of 150, plus travel expenses, for attending events.

It is understood that a number of well-known authors have thrown their quill into the ring.

Fassl said: "The plan is for them to carry out different exercises every month and post the results on the website to show other young readers what can be achieved."

The virtual writer will make monthly contributions to the SBT blog and take part in live webchats with budding writers. They will also judge a national short story competition and lead events and workshops at schools.

Previously, Keith Gray, whose teen novel Ostrich Boys was shortlisted for several awards, piloted the scheme.

He commissioned exclusive short stories for the SBT website and in downloadable video clips and podcasts talked of his work and offered writing tips.

Fassl said: "Keith did a fantastic job and we are now looking to build and expand on his hard work and achievements."

In recent weeks the issue of authors giving talks in schools has sparked controversy after news of a Home Office scheme requiring writers to be vetted, and forced to pay 64 to be added to a Government database, before being cleared to visit classrooms.

Philip Pullman, author of the Dark Materials trilogy, has led a number of children's writers in opposing the restrictions.

However, a Scottish Government spokesman confirmed the moves would not be imposed north of the border.