How Scottish Book Trust is harnessing creative power of young people

The Scottish Book Trust has brought together ten young people from across Scotland to launch What’s Your Story? – a pioneering programme of support for teenage writers, storytellers and illustrators who will help to shape the future of writing in Scotland.

The ten teenage creators applied for the opportunity to develop an online platform, a national network of writer’s groups, and a two-day creative conference which will create and enhance opportunity for Scotland’s teen writers and illustrators. They will also receive six months of mentoring from professionals in their preferred creative fields – a range which spans graphic novels, creative non-fiction, poetry (in English and Gaelic), screenwriting, novels and short fiction.

After a creative weekend with their mentors and Scottish Book Trust at Moniack Mhor, the teenage creators are preparing to make their mark on their country’s literary scene. Poet Erin Morrissey Gillman, 17, of Fife says, “It’s great! There’s stuff happening, it feels like. There’s a scene building for young writers and creators. I want to be like “Join in! Stuff is happening!” I kinda want to share that with people.”

Nicole Brandon, Young Writers Co-Ordinator at Scottish Book Trust says, “Our young people have always deserved to be a part of our literary culture as creators and critics – not resigned to a default role as consumers – and we have a responsibility to help them get involved. It’s our privilege to follow the lead of our ten young participants and work to create these opportunities for them and their peers.”

What’s Your Story? is funded by Time to Shine, Creative Scotland’s youth arts strategy, and supported by The Gaelic Books Council and Time to Shine Youth Arts Hubs around Scotland.

• Look out for more from What’s Your Story? at www.thestoryis.co.uk and throughout 2016 at www.scottishbooktrust.com