Many many thanks to those who braved the cold and joined us on Saturday for the last Young Writer session of 2014. Numbers were a bit low because of Christmas and also because of some these nasty little viruses drifting around (I almost didn't make it myself because of a chest infection) and to those who came along despite feeling unwell, thank you for coming and I hope you feel better soon and are ok to enjoy the Festive season.
It has been a brilliant nine months for Addiscombe Young Writers. When the group was re-launched in March, I didn't know if it would work or not - but it certainly has worked - as our successful Exhibition proved. We have covered everything from limericks to first/third person narratives, writing reports, interviews, short stories, letters, poems and some of the older ones even attempted plays. Whatever they are doing, they go to it with 100% enthusiasm and that comes from within themselves and deserves the highest praise. They tackle everything head on, even if they don't get it, and the fact they want to take responsibility for various things - fund-raising, helping one another along - even looking after Maddie for a couple of weeks - all of this is all the reward I ever craved. Each and every one of them is a Shining Star and it makes me so proud to work with them, so huge Well Dones and Pats On Back for everyone and thank you for all your hard work.
So we move now into 2015 and I have a number of ideas, all of which I will tell you about after the Christmas break. Keep those pencils sharpened and notebooks at the ready! A wonderful new creative year lies ahead.
Many thanks for all the Christmas cards and chocolates by the way; you thoroughly spoiled me!
Have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year. see you all on the 10th of January.
Monday 22 December 2014
Wednesday 3 December 2014
Don't forget Saturday's Session...
Hello again everyone. Just a quick reminder that we have the penultimate session prior to Christmas this Saturday, with the final one of 2014 being on 20th. I know by then lots of you will be completely caught up in Christmas plans so if your writer cannot make it that day, I will completely understand - although I'd be grateful if you could let me know so I can ensure I have the correct number of Selection Packs & Christmas cards to give out.
The dates for the spring sessions appear below. As ever these are subject to change but I will always do my best to let everyone know if I can't make one for some reason or have to change the date.
10th January 2015
24th January
7th February
21st February
7th March
21st March
11th April
25th April
2nd May
16th May
Looking forward to seeing you Saturday then. Enjoy the rest of your week.
The dates for the spring sessions appear below. As ever these are subject to change but I will always do my best to let everyone know if I can't make one for some reason or have to change the date.
10th January 2015
24th January
7th February
21st February
7th March
21st March
11th April
25th April
2nd May
16th May
Looking forward to seeing you Saturday then. Enjoy the rest of your week.
Sunday 23 November 2014
Almost Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Excellent Young Writer session yesterday. I had twelve young ladies in attendance including a new member Magisaa so a big welcome to her. And huge thanks to Mateus for joining us for the last twenty minutes or so. Being out-numbered 12 to 1 did not phase him at all and he got straight into the spirit of the session which was looking at First Person/Third Person narratives.
I've decided to start looking at the technical side of the writing as well as the creative side to help the Young Writers improve their skills. The older members were quite well-versed in this already but they soldiered on, helping the younger ones to whom the whole First/Third person issue is considerably new. I was very very excited when they began to grasp it within a few short minutes because it is not the easiest of the Creative Writing skills to get to grips with. We shall also be looking at past and present tense, how to tackle he said/she said and description over the coming sessions. I have every confidence that they will grasp each and every one and rise to each new challenge because they are all incredibly talented and very dedicated. I truly applaud them!
The assignment set was to write a story in the First Person so if they could have these done by the next session which is on 6th December, that would be terrific. I have reminded them that completed assignments all lead to the next certificate which I know is important to them. A couple told me they had not finished their previous assignment (writing about something an older family member experienced in their childhood) so it is not too late for these to be handed in on 6th either. And it is perfectly all right for the children to write their assignments in their notebooks as long as they bear in mind that I will then have to take the notebook home so I can mark it.
And talking of Christmas (somewhat alarmingly close with only two sessions to go), I simply cannot think what to give them all to acknowledge all their hard work. In the past I have given notebooks and pens but they all get one of these now when they join anyway so I was thinking I'd give them Selection Packs. Please make sure you let me know ASAP if you would prefer for your child not to receive sweets so that I can think again, but as long as you are happy with this idea, I shall go ahead with it. Let me know by text before the next session. Or send me an email - all contact details should be on the Info Sheets I give out as youngsters join. Failing that you can always comment on here, if you prefer. If I don't hear from you I shall assume you don't mind. I am only talking little Selection Packs by the way, not great big ones.
On our last session before Christmas - 20th December - we will be doing something a bit different but I know they will enjoy it.
And finally - I am planning to have the proposed Session dates up to Easter 2015 within the next couple of days so watch this space but I will give out an Info Sheet that day anyway. Oh yes and one little PS - I have asked for any suggestions for our new newsletter title to also be in by 6th December so please remind the children if they haven't already made theirs.
See you all on the 6th then - and Good Writing.
I've decided to start looking at the technical side of the writing as well as the creative side to help the Young Writers improve their skills. The older members were quite well-versed in this already but they soldiered on, helping the younger ones to whom the whole First/Third person issue is considerably new. I was very very excited when they began to grasp it within a few short minutes because it is not the easiest of the Creative Writing skills to get to grips with. We shall also be looking at past and present tense, how to tackle he said/she said and description over the coming sessions. I have every confidence that they will grasp each and every one and rise to each new challenge because they are all incredibly talented and very dedicated. I truly applaud them!
The assignment set was to write a story in the First Person so if they could have these done by the next session which is on 6th December, that would be terrific. I have reminded them that completed assignments all lead to the next certificate which I know is important to them. A couple told me they had not finished their previous assignment (writing about something an older family member experienced in their childhood) so it is not too late for these to be handed in on 6th either. And it is perfectly all right for the children to write their assignments in their notebooks as long as they bear in mind that I will then have to take the notebook home so I can mark it.
And talking of Christmas (somewhat alarmingly close with only two sessions to go), I simply cannot think what to give them all to acknowledge all their hard work. In the past I have given notebooks and pens but they all get one of these now when they join anyway so I was thinking I'd give them Selection Packs. Please make sure you let me know ASAP if you would prefer for your child not to receive sweets so that I can think again, but as long as you are happy with this idea, I shall go ahead with it. Let me know by text before the next session. Or send me an email - all contact details should be on the Info Sheets I give out as youngsters join. Failing that you can always comment on here, if you prefer. If I don't hear from you I shall assume you don't mind. I am only talking little Selection Packs by the way, not great big ones.
On our last session before Christmas - 20th December - we will be doing something a bit different but I know they will enjoy it.
And finally - I am planning to have the proposed Session dates up to Easter 2015 within the next couple of days so watch this space but I will give out an Info Sheet that day anyway. Oh yes and one little PS - I have asked for any suggestions for our new newsletter title to also be in by 6th December so please remind the children if they haven't already made theirs.
See you all on the 6th then - and Good Writing.
Monday 10 November 2014
Fantastic
Brilliant session on Saturday! I know I seem to say this after every session but that is because every session is fantastic! Eleven children were in attendance and, in keeping with the Research theme started with the previous session's assignment, I split the children into pairs and had them interview one another. This was a HUGE success. It got them talking - even the really shy ones - and they used their initiatives - making lists of each other's answers. I tell you with no hesitation that these youngsters never cease to amaze and surprise me! I get so excited when a session is coming up because I never know what they might spring on me or how they'll interpret my suggestions. So so proud of them all!
The assignment set was to find out about something that a grown up in the family experienced when they were little and write a short story about it. If these can be handed in next session, that would be great.
I have been asked by the library staff to come up with the post-Christmas session dates and as soon as I have these I will let you all know.
Maddie the AYW bear is still doing the rounds. She is having more sleepovers than I have ever had in my life! Zenani has her this time, so she is slowly working her way round everyone. Be interesting to read the Maddie diaries when they are done. I don't get a look in at the moment so I might pinch her back the last session before Christmas and read through them over the break.
Some excellent news, by the way! I have had a couple of articles published about running AYW and I have recently heard that on the strength of the most recent one, at least one group has been started in Bristol and another is being developed somewhere else. This is so exciting I can hardly contain myself! Getting more people to set up more groups has been one of the things driving me on to make this one - the pioneering one - such a success, so I shall be contacting the people behind these over the next few days because the more support we give each other, the stronger the scheme will become, so watch this space, I will be updating!
Next session is Saturday 22nd November - eek! Christmas will then be just four and a bit weeks away!
Love Jilly xxx
The assignment set was to find out about something that a grown up in the family experienced when they were little and write a short story about it. If these can be handed in next session, that would be great.
I have been asked by the library staff to come up with the post-Christmas session dates and as soon as I have these I will let you all know.
Maddie the AYW bear is still doing the rounds. She is having more sleepovers than I have ever had in my life! Zenani has her this time, so she is slowly working her way round everyone. Be interesting to read the Maddie diaries when they are done. I don't get a look in at the moment so I might pinch her back the last session before Christmas and read through them over the break.
Some excellent news, by the way! I have had a couple of articles published about running AYW and I have recently heard that on the strength of the most recent one, at least one group has been started in Bristol and another is being developed somewhere else. This is so exciting I can hardly contain myself! Getting more people to set up more groups has been one of the things driving me on to make this one - the pioneering one - such a success, so I shall be contacting the people behind these over the next few days because the more support we give each other, the stronger the scheme will become, so watch this space, I will be updating!
Next session is Saturday 22nd November - eek! Christmas will then be just four and a bit weeks away!
Love Jilly xxx
Thursday 6 November 2014
Saturday Is Almost Here
Just a brief reminder that there will be a Young Writer session this weekend (Saturday 8th) at the library as usual, so looking forward to seeing you there. Also to let you know I have compiled a scrap book featuring some of the work displayed in last month's exhibition which I will be bringing along to show everyone. I hope you like it. So see you Saturday and Good Writing.
Tuesday 28 October 2014
Session Feedback ...
Sorry it has taken me a few days to come back to you following last week's brilliant session. After my five day break last week up near Newcastle, getting back late Friday and getting everything ready for the Saturday morning, I am still trying to catch myself up!
Good session Saturday. Had two new members, so big hi and welcome to Sarah and Ines. There are now eighteen Young Writers on my books and the sessions have settled down to around ten in attendance which is excellent progress. The theme for the session was Halloween. We discussed poetry, stories and even creating magic potions, I also explained to the children that we would be looking at the mechanics of writing as well from now on - working to a deadline and within a word (or line) limit for example, and doing research, looking at other aspects of writing that we have barely touched on - such as writing reports and reviews. I am not sure how much they grasped, but I will make sure it is all explained as we go along. And, of course, that it is fun!
I made a couple of announcements. The first is that there is going to be a bi-monthly newsletter which I am hoping to start in the New Year. I have set the children the challenge of coming up with a name for our little publication and asked that they come back with their suggestions next session. I set the ball rolling with a couple of very basic ideas - The AYW Newsheet and AYW News. I explained that their titles do not need to actually feature the words Addiscombe Young Writers at all, rather like the group's first publication Word Magic. One has already suggested something to do with the group mascot Maddie Bear; which is quite appropriate since the Maddie Diary is doing the rounds. So far she has spent time at Sophia and Mateus's house, Holly's house - and last week Abbie was selected to become her guardian. Once all the suggestions are in for the title, we will have a volunteer pull the winner out of the hat. All very exciting stuff!
I also told the members that I am going to create a display book featuring some of their work from the exhibition, which will be available for everyone to look at since I'll be bringing it along to the sessions once it is finished. That way we will have a permanent record.
With the exhibition over, we are now going to go back to regular assignments. For the mums, dads and guardians of the recent newbies, I'd just like to reiterate a couple of things. Firstly, the children do not have to participate in the assignments if they don't want to, or if it is a subject in which they have little interest; however by taking part and handing their completed assignments in, they are working their way through the Certificate Trail, which gives them some incentive, and hopefully, as they progress, a sense of achievement. All members receive a Blue Certificate upon joining, a Red certificate upon completion of four assignments, a Purple one on completion of eight and a Rainbow one on completion of twelve. Once they have worked their way up to Rainbow, they go into the next Band of certificates - which differentiate from their original certificates because they will be labelled thus; Red Certificate - Band Two, Purple Certificate - Band Two and Rainbow Certificate - Band Two, and so on until they get bored and leave or simply outgrow the group.
The assignment I set last Saturday was for the children to get to grips with doing research by finding out what they can about Halloween - either by going online or by looking in books - and then to tell me what they found out by writing a short report. If this can be completed by the next session that would be helpful. And the next session of course, will be on Saturday 8th of November.
Always grateful for any feedback or comments on the blog; you wouldn't believe how much it helps me to plan ahead, so please do not be afraid to get in touch.
See you all on the 8th then. Good Writing everyone xx
Good session Saturday. Had two new members, so big hi and welcome to Sarah and Ines. There are now eighteen Young Writers on my books and the sessions have settled down to around ten in attendance which is excellent progress. The theme for the session was Halloween. We discussed poetry, stories and even creating magic potions, I also explained to the children that we would be looking at the mechanics of writing as well from now on - working to a deadline and within a word (or line) limit for example, and doing research, looking at other aspects of writing that we have barely touched on - such as writing reports and reviews. I am not sure how much they grasped, but I will make sure it is all explained as we go along. And, of course, that it is fun!
I made a couple of announcements. The first is that there is going to be a bi-monthly newsletter which I am hoping to start in the New Year. I have set the children the challenge of coming up with a name for our little publication and asked that they come back with their suggestions next session. I set the ball rolling with a couple of very basic ideas - The AYW Newsheet and AYW News. I explained that their titles do not need to actually feature the words Addiscombe Young Writers at all, rather like the group's first publication Word Magic. One has already suggested something to do with the group mascot Maddie Bear; which is quite appropriate since the Maddie Diary is doing the rounds. So far she has spent time at Sophia and Mateus's house, Holly's house - and last week Abbie was selected to become her guardian. Once all the suggestions are in for the title, we will have a volunteer pull the winner out of the hat. All very exciting stuff!
I also told the members that I am going to create a display book featuring some of their work from the exhibition, which will be available for everyone to look at since I'll be bringing it along to the sessions once it is finished. That way we will have a permanent record.
With the exhibition over, we are now going to go back to regular assignments. For the mums, dads and guardians of the recent newbies, I'd just like to reiterate a couple of things. Firstly, the children do not have to participate in the assignments if they don't want to, or if it is a subject in which they have little interest; however by taking part and handing their completed assignments in, they are working their way through the Certificate Trail, which gives them some incentive, and hopefully, as they progress, a sense of achievement. All members receive a Blue Certificate upon joining, a Red certificate upon completion of four assignments, a Purple one on completion of eight and a Rainbow one on completion of twelve. Once they have worked their way up to Rainbow, they go into the next Band of certificates - which differentiate from their original certificates because they will be labelled thus; Red Certificate - Band Two, Purple Certificate - Band Two and Rainbow Certificate - Band Two, and so on until they get bored and leave or simply outgrow the group.
The assignment I set last Saturday was for the children to get to grips with doing research by finding out what they can about Halloween - either by going online or by looking in books - and then to tell me what they found out by writing a short report. If this can be completed by the next session that would be helpful. And the next session of course, will be on Saturday 8th of November.
Always grateful for any feedback or comments on the blog; you wouldn't believe how much it helps me to plan ahead, so please do not be afraid to get in touch.
See you all on the 8th then. Good Writing everyone xx
Sunday 12 October 2014
Great Session...
Had a truly excellent session with the Young Writers yesterday! We went over to our display as an excited little group and there is nothing - and I mean nothing - in the world that can compare to the thrill it gave me to see these children excitedly pointing out their work. They were kneeling down, crouching, laying on the floor - anything that would get them close to their piece of work so they could read it over and over again. It was an amazing and, from a purely selfish point of view, emotional moment for me because I can remember how it feels to see your first success right there in black and white (or in colour as most of these are) in front of your eyes.
After a photo call we all went back to our table and I asked them to describe how they felt seeing their work on display. I took some interesting photos of them bent of their notebooks as they fervently scribbled away. As they finished one by one, I suggested they make the most of the rest of the session writing whatever they wanted to because, as I explained, when we start the sessions after the exhibition, it will be back to assignment sheets and a much more structured approach. I have in fact, started planning the sessions already but more on all that another time.
Once again I want to thank you all for your support of the group and the feedback and I especially want to thank the library staff for facilitating us because if it wasn't for them, I am not sure the group would be gaining such momentum!
The next session is on October 25th, so see you then - and a huge well done to all the Young Writers - they are amazing!
After a photo call we all went back to our table and I asked them to describe how they felt seeing their work on display. I took some interesting photos of them bent of their notebooks as they fervently scribbled away. As they finished one by one, I suggested they make the most of the rest of the session writing whatever they wanted to because, as I explained, when we start the sessions after the exhibition, it will be back to assignment sheets and a much more structured approach. I have in fact, started planning the sessions already but more on all that another time.
Once again I want to thank you all for your support of the group and the feedback and I especially want to thank the library staff for facilitating us because if it wasn't for them, I am not sure the group would be gaining such momentum!
The next session is on October 25th, so see you then - and a huge well done to all the Young Writers - they are amazing!
Friday 10 October 2014
Looking Great ...
Hi everyone. Two quick mentions coming up. Firstly don't forget we have the next AYW session tomorrow at the library 9.30 - 10.30, so looking forward to that and hope to see you there. Secondly - drum-roll please - the exhibition of work is all up. If you are passing the library today, pop in and have a look; I think you'll be impressed. The screens are chock-a-block crammed with the work of your talented children! I spent almost two hours over there yesterday afternoon getting it all set out and I came away feeling chuffed! We will all go over tomorrow to have a look during the session - I am bringing my camera - so make sure you bring yours!
See you tomorrow then!
See you tomorrow then!
Tuesday 30 September 2014
Brilliant ...
What a fab session we had last Saturday (27th September)! Ten youngsters again, including two new members so big welcomes to Olivia and Sanshana and thanks for joining. I hope you enjoyed your first session with us and will be back again for the next one which is on 11th October. And huge thanks to everyone for handing in so much work for the exhibition, which I will now go through meticulously over the next week and a half. Lots of comment slips too which is great so massive thanks all round really!
On Saturday I had everyone writing stories about Maddie Bear. I started it off with an opening sentence and then asked the Young Writers to finish the stories off. They worked almost feverishly for the next half hour or so and several that were handed in at the end were well over a page long!
What really surprised me (they never cease to surprise me actually) is the level of responsibility these children are now taking for their writing group! Two fantabulous ideas were thrown at me! Sophia asked if the members could take it in turns to take Maddie home and write something in a special Maddie exercise book. I was totally blown away by this idea. I understand now that they have done something similar at school but at the time it had never even crossed my mind to try a scheme like this! When I mentioned this idea to everyone they all got very excited so it will be great to see how it all pans out!
Phoebe asked me when the next Young Writer book can be put together - Word Magic 2 effectively - and I explained again that it is something I am considering for next year but a lot depends on whether I can raise the money (I am still out of pocket for the first one which may account for my caution). But this admittance threw them into another frenzy. One youngster suggested a raffle. Another suggested a jumble sale. Phoebe suggested a jumble sale at Bingham Park! For the second time that hour I was floored by their enthusiasm! And I really mean that. I have told them all I will look into all the possibilities - including sponsorship from local stores - and see what the options are, then I will get back to them after Christmas with some ideas.
One or two of the youngsters asked me how close they are to their next certificates. Since we have been preparing for the exhibition, I have not been setting assignments. But I am closely monitoring what is being produced and as a result of that several are due for their next certificates over the next couple of sessions,
For the benefit of our Newbies (and their grown-ups), let me just briefly explain about the Certificate Trail. All members receive a Blue membership certificate for joining. On completion of four written assignments, completed and returned to me for reading and comments, the next certificate is the Red one. On completion of another four assignments, the Purple one is awarded and the Rainbow one is awarded after a further four. The Rainbow one is the highest award. Once all the certificates have been earned, we start at Red again, but this will be a Red Band Two certificate which will distinguish it from the first Red and so on - Purple Band Two, Rainbow Band Two etc etc. It is very important that these certificates are kept safely because they do mark the progress of each young writer and gives them something to work towards. Seeing their own progress also keeps them focused - and gives the grown-ups something more to boast about! And why not! Their kids are amazing!
Anyway I think that is quite enough from me this week. Once again, huge thanks to all of you - Young Writers and grown-ups alike for your enthusiasm and feedback. Look our for the exhibition!
Good Writing.
On Saturday I had everyone writing stories about Maddie Bear. I started it off with an opening sentence and then asked the Young Writers to finish the stories off. They worked almost feverishly for the next half hour or so and several that were handed in at the end were well over a page long!
What really surprised me (they never cease to surprise me actually) is the level of responsibility these children are now taking for their writing group! Two fantabulous ideas were thrown at me! Sophia asked if the members could take it in turns to take Maddie home and write something in a special Maddie exercise book. I was totally blown away by this idea. I understand now that they have done something similar at school but at the time it had never even crossed my mind to try a scheme like this! When I mentioned this idea to everyone they all got very excited so it will be great to see how it all pans out!
Phoebe asked me when the next Young Writer book can be put together - Word Magic 2 effectively - and I explained again that it is something I am considering for next year but a lot depends on whether I can raise the money (I am still out of pocket for the first one which may account for my caution). But this admittance threw them into another frenzy. One youngster suggested a raffle. Another suggested a jumble sale. Phoebe suggested a jumble sale at Bingham Park! For the second time that hour I was floored by their enthusiasm! And I really mean that. I have told them all I will look into all the possibilities - including sponsorship from local stores - and see what the options are, then I will get back to them after Christmas with some ideas.
One or two of the youngsters asked me how close they are to their next certificates. Since we have been preparing for the exhibition, I have not been setting assignments. But I am closely monitoring what is being produced and as a result of that several are due for their next certificates over the next couple of sessions,
For the benefit of our Newbies (and their grown-ups), let me just briefly explain about the Certificate Trail. All members receive a Blue membership certificate for joining. On completion of four written assignments, completed and returned to me for reading and comments, the next certificate is the Red one. On completion of another four assignments, the Purple one is awarded and the Rainbow one is awarded after a further four. The Rainbow one is the highest award. Once all the certificates have been earned, we start at Red again, but this will be a Red Band Two certificate which will distinguish it from the first Red and so on - Purple Band Two, Rainbow Band Two etc etc. It is very important that these certificates are kept safely because they do mark the progress of each young writer and gives them something to work towards. Seeing their own progress also keeps them focused - and gives the grown-ups something more to boast about! And why not! Their kids are amazing!
Anyway I think that is quite enough from me this week. Once again, huge thanks to all of you - Young Writers and grown-ups alike for your enthusiasm and feedback. Look our for the exhibition!
Good Writing.
Sunday 21 September 2014
Totally Amazing!
Excellent Young Writer session at the library yesterday. Huge thanks to everyone that turned up and to those who have already submitted their comment slips. There were ten members present yesterday! This is great stuff! I took a number of trigger objects in and encouraged the children to let these inspire them. Some of the ideas that came out of the next forty minutes were amazing. These kids are amazing. They are so enthusiastic and get so excited by every challenge set. They all appear to be looking forward to the exhibition next month and I am getting repeated requests for a second volume of poetry. I cannot blame them for this one iota and it is something I am considering for next year. My problem is funding. The first volume looks great and I am so proud of the work put in by the Young Writers. But due to circumstances beyond my control at the time, it was published at a loss to me of around £60 - and I am still trying to recoup that. It does not sound like much but until I recoup it, putting another volume together might not be realistic. I might have to look at other options if we are to pursue the next one - perhaps local sponsorship is one and I will look into it next spring. In the meantime, it is very exciting that this is what they all want. It gives them all a common goal. And a common goal is a powerful thing!
I sent the youngsters home reminding them to bring in their work next week for consideration for display at the exhibition. Even work they have not produced for the group would be massive asset, so anything at all they have written must be brought in next week and I will use as much of it as I can. Also, there is still time to get your comment slips in if you haven't already.
The colouring pencils seemed to go down well yesterday. I shall have to remember them in future. I should have thought of it sooner because when I ran the junior workshops (many moons ago), I always made sure there were colouring pencils available and they always got used.
A great big Addiscombe Young Writers welcome to new member yesterday Amara (I hope I have spelt that correctly). She did come along to a session with the original group once and it was lovely to be able to welcome her back. She seemed to get stuck in ok and did not appear in the least bit phased to be meeting us all. Look forward to seeing you again next week, Amara.
Just to confirm before I go that there will be another session next Saturday (27th), which has been brought forward from the following week as I have a wedding to go to that day and obviously won't be able to be there. Please refer to the blog before last when I am sure I gave you a list of all the session dates up to Christmas.
Looking forward to seeing everyone again next Saturday. Good Writing!
I sent the youngsters home reminding them to bring in their work next week for consideration for display at the exhibition. Even work they have not produced for the group would be massive asset, so anything at all they have written must be brought in next week and I will use as much of it as I can. Also, there is still time to get your comment slips in if you haven't already.
The colouring pencils seemed to go down well yesterday. I shall have to remember them in future. I should have thought of it sooner because when I ran the junior workshops (many moons ago), I always made sure there were colouring pencils available and they always got used.
A great big Addiscombe Young Writers welcome to new member yesterday Amara (I hope I have spelt that correctly). She did come along to a session with the original group once and it was lovely to be able to welcome her back. She seemed to get stuck in ok and did not appear in the least bit phased to be meeting us all. Look forward to seeing you again next week, Amara.
Just to confirm before I go that there will be another session next Saturday (27th), which has been brought forward from the following week as I have a wedding to go to that day and obviously won't be able to be there. Please refer to the blog before last when I am sure I gave you a list of all the session dates up to Christmas.
Looking forward to seeing everyone again next Saturday. Good Writing!
Thursday 18 September 2014
See You Saturday ...
Hi everyone. Just a quick reminder that we have another session this Saturday (20th Sept) between 9.30 & 10.30 and also one the following week (27th Sept) which will be the very last day that work can be handed in for the exhibition that starts a couple of weeks after on October 10th. If your budding authors have any assignment sheets they would like to hand in, that would be great. What I will probably do on 27th is keep their notebooks so that I can go through them and pick out some work for display.
Comment Slips
If you have been kind enough to pen your thoughts about the group on the comment slips I handed out the other week, that would truly help, as well. I have found some comments on the internet from the parents of previous members so I will also try to include those.
Trigger Objects
I know it is short notice but if your child can bring a small object - something that they particularly like or have an interest in - with them this Saturday, we can set them up on the tables and trigger some descriptive or imaginitive writing with items that are familiar, thus adding a truly personal touch.
Any other ideas, please get back to me ASAP or call me on my mobile.
See you Saturday then - and Good Writing!
Comment Slips
If you have been kind enough to pen your thoughts about the group on the comment slips I handed out the other week, that would truly help, as well. I have found some comments on the internet from the parents of previous members so I will also try to include those.
Trigger Objects
I know it is short notice but if your child can bring a small object - something that they particularly like or have an interest in - with them this Saturday, we can set them up on the tables and trigger some descriptive or imaginitive writing with items that are familiar, thus adding a truly personal touch.
Any other ideas, please get back to me ASAP or call me on my mobile.
See you Saturday then - and Good Writing!
Tuesday 9 September 2014
Good To Be Back...
I know we only missed a couple of sessions between July & September but I really felt it! It was brilliant to be back on Saturday and to see some of the holiday diaries! Well done to everyone who stood up to the challenge.
I explained to the members present about the exhibition and that I want them to write whatever they most enjoy just till the end of September. We had some great poems to kick off with - keep those handy, Young Writers! And with the exhibition in mind, I did not set an assignment this week. I just told the youngsters to go home and write anything they like - book reviews, reports, stories, poems, letters. Even plays as I saw Abbie getting really stuck into one during the session. Play writing is something I have not covered before - primarily because of the age diversity of the group. I am none too sure the six-year olds would really grasp it. But certainly anyone who wants to give it a go, please do so. It actually might help me to work out an actual play writing session!
I remembered to hand out the certificates - well done to everyone. I also remembered the comment slips and the Information sheet so hopefully you got them okay. As far as the comment slips are concerned, please do not feel obliged to take part. It just occurred to me that your opinions might tempt other potential members in. If you do submit one it doesn't need to be more than a few words long. Anyway I'd appreciate your feedback!
One of the members asked me on Saturday if she could draw some pictures to go with her poem. This idea was pounced on very enthusiastically by other members so I have offered to bring colouring pencils in future. I seriously cannot see any harm in that, despite the fact I personally have no artistic abilities at all. But a splash of colour would certainly add some body to the work on display, so we'll give it a go and see how it goes!
Well I think that's it for tonight. That's Number 1 of my Writing List Of Things To Do ticked off. Better get on with the next one now.
Keep writing! It's so magical!
I explained to the members present about the exhibition and that I want them to write whatever they most enjoy just till the end of September. We had some great poems to kick off with - keep those handy, Young Writers! And with the exhibition in mind, I did not set an assignment this week. I just told the youngsters to go home and write anything they like - book reviews, reports, stories, poems, letters. Even plays as I saw Abbie getting really stuck into one during the session. Play writing is something I have not covered before - primarily because of the age diversity of the group. I am none too sure the six-year olds would really grasp it. But certainly anyone who wants to give it a go, please do so. It actually might help me to work out an actual play writing session!
I remembered to hand out the certificates - well done to everyone. I also remembered the comment slips and the Information sheet so hopefully you got them okay. As far as the comment slips are concerned, please do not feel obliged to take part. It just occurred to me that your opinions might tempt other potential members in. If you do submit one it doesn't need to be more than a few words long. Anyway I'd appreciate your feedback!
One of the members asked me on Saturday if she could draw some pictures to go with her poem. This idea was pounced on very enthusiastically by other members so I have offered to bring colouring pencils in future. I seriously cannot see any harm in that, despite the fact I personally have no artistic abilities at all. But a splash of colour would certainly add some body to the work on display, so we'll give it a go and see how it goes!
Well I think that's it for tonight. That's Number 1 of my Writing List Of Things To Do ticked off. Better get on with the next one now.
Keep writing! It's so magical!
Tuesday 2 September 2014
Back To AYW...
Hi everyone. Hope your summer has been brilliant. Quick reminder - we are back to regular sessions from this Saturday (6th) 9.30 - 10.30 as per usual. I will be handing out some letters etc, one of which will feature the dates of sessions planned right up to Christmas, These are:
6th September
20th September
27th September
11th October
25th October
8th November
22nd November
6th December
20th December
I will publish the new year session dates nearer the time.
I am pleased to announce that I have a new book being published, hopefully in November. More information on this a bit later, I just wanted to share my news. I also have some poems being published later in the year so as you can see, I have had quite a busy summer!
The next few sessions will be wholly for the Exhibition. I need all the nominated work by 27th September so I can get it all set up in time for the Exhibition. The library staff have suggested we take some photographs of the children writing to enhance the display. I know most of you have signed a form to this effect but if you have not yet returned it, please could you do so ASAP. The shots will mainly be group shots and I am hoping the library staff will take them so that they look random and natural. The children's names will not appear on the photographs.
Talking of the Exhibition, I will also be handing out comment slips over the next couple of sessions. please do not feel obliged to complete and return these, but it would certainly add credence to our ever expanding and greatly improved group and will hopefully attract more new members for the future.
I think we are coming into extremely exciting times here at AYW. I may call on some of you for assistance if things get too crazy - but we will see how it goes.
Looking forward to reading the Holiday Diaries!
See you Saturday!
6th September
20th September
27th September
11th October
25th October
8th November
22nd November
6th December
20th December
I will publish the new year session dates nearer the time.
I am pleased to announce that I have a new book being published, hopefully in November. More information on this a bit later, I just wanted to share my news. I also have some poems being published later in the year so as you can see, I have had quite a busy summer!
The next few sessions will be wholly for the Exhibition. I need all the nominated work by 27th September so I can get it all set up in time for the Exhibition. The library staff have suggested we take some photographs of the children writing to enhance the display. I know most of you have signed a form to this effect but if you have not yet returned it, please could you do so ASAP. The shots will mainly be group shots and I am hoping the library staff will take them so that they look random and natural. The children's names will not appear on the photographs.
Talking of the Exhibition, I will also be handing out comment slips over the next couple of sessions. please do not feel obliged to complete and return these, but it would certainly add credence to our ever expanding and greatly improved group and will hopefully attract more new members for the future.
I think we are coming into extremely exciting times here at AYW. I may call on some of you for assistance if things get too crazy - but we will see how it goes.
Looking forward to reading the Holiday Diaries!
See you Saturday!
Monday 18 August 2014
Quick Hello
Dear Mums and Dads of Addiscombe Young Writers and the Young Writers themselves. Sorry I haven't posted for a couple of weeks. I just never seem to get a minute! Hope you are all well and enjoying the summer holidays. There were only a couple of youngsters at the token August session and one of them was a new member, so big hi to Zenani and thanks for coming along, I am so glad you enjoyed it along with Holly. And even though we were so few, the enthusiasm was still there in bucket-loads! Both girls got a lot of writing done.
Couple of things to let you know. Firstly, the Exhibition in October will run for a week from 10th. We will have a treble screen for our work so any that I have asked the Young Writers to hang onto, please could they bring them back when we resume normal sessions in September. We will not have a great deal of time in which to collate much. But I will certainly get as much up as possible. We have three sessions in September - on the 6th, 20th and 27th - this one is brought forward from 4th October as I have a wedding to go to that day so will not be around. The 27th September is absolutely the last date for submissions for the exhibition, but I will explain that all at the next session. Also, I will be handing out comment sheets to both the grown-ups and the children asking for quotes about the group I can display. I am also negotiating the possibility of selling copies of the book the first group published - Word Magic - with any money raised being shared with the library. This I will have to confirm with the library first. I will also be giving out sheets with the session dates on right up to Christmas this year.
So I think that is about it for now. I can always come back if I need to and post another update. See you all on the 6th then. Enjoy the rest of the summer! It'll be Christmas before we know it!
Couple of things to let you know. Firstly, the Exhibition in October will run for a week from 10th. We will have a treble screen for our work so any that I have asked the Young Writers to hang onto, please could they bring them back when we resume normal sessions in September. We will not have a great deal of time in which to collate much. But I will certainly get as much up as possible. We have three sessions in September - on the 6th, 20th and 27th - this one is brought forward from 4th October as I have a wedding to go to that day so will not be around. The 27th September is absolutely the last date for submissions for the exhibition, but I will explain that all at the next session. Also, I will be handing out comment sheets to both the grown-ups and the children asking for quotes about the group I can display. I am also negotiating the possibility of selling copies of the book the first group published - Word Magic - with any money raised being shared with the library. This I will have to confirm with the library first. I will also be giving out sheets with the session dates on right up to Christmas this year.
So I think that is about it for now. I can always come back if I need to and post another update. See you all on the 6th then. Enjoy the rest of the summer! It'll be Christmas before we know it!
Friday 8 August 2014
Quick Reminder
To all those Young Writers who have not jetted off to sunnier climes, don't forget there will be a session at the library tomorrow morning (9th August) between 9.30 & 10.30. Don't forget to bring along your summer diaries - or any other writing you have done. Looking forward to seeing you.
Wednesday 30 July 2014
Lazy Hazy Crazy Days ...
Wow - this summer has really been something so far hasn't it? Thunderstorms and all! I had really great weather when I was in Cornwall last week with husband Steve. We were incredibly lucky with our sea view window and everything! Hope your holidays are all just as successful.
Thought I would just pen a brief reminder that the August session is on Saturday 9th so anyone not away soaking up the sun will be more than welcome to come along for a scribble!
Hoping the summer diaries are going well!
See you soon.
Thought I would just pen a brief reminder that the August session is on Saturday 9th so anyone not away soaking up the sun will be more than welcome to come along for a scribble!
Hoping the summer diaries are going well!
See you soon.
Monday 14 July 2014
Doing Brilliantly ...
We had the best session on Saturday last week. Three new members took our number up to eleven - the highest it has been for some time and I am over to moon! It was all a bit manic to start but it wasn't long before the enthusiasm was dancing through and around all of us like some amazing tarantella! Once we'd got the tables and seating sorted, the Young Writers just got on with it.
We were experimenting with "blind poetry" and acronyms (not anagrams as I initially said; thank you Mateus, for pointing that out to me. I think I was having a moment of word-dispraxia!). The "blind poem" (where we all write one line which is folded over before being passed to the next person), was not a huge success and I think this is because their ages are so diverse. Sophia told me bluntly "I don't get it!" so I explained it again and she said "I still don't get it!" So we went over it again and she gave it a go; coming up with a brilliant line. So I think she got it in the end. The acronyms were a much bigger success - as they were when I suggested them to the first group - and they were soon having fun playing with words, which is what it's all about after all!
Many thanks to Lucie - the librarian who came over and picked out the name for our mascot bear - it is Maddie - and everyone will get a certificate to mark their participation in this exercise. It was a great team effort.
Thanks as well to the grown-ups who have already completed their consent forms for October's Exhibition of Work. During the summer break I will ensure I see one of our contacts at the library to finalise the arrangements. I have already asked some of the members to keep specific bits of work safe for this and I will let you all know what is going on display nearer the time. If you haven't completed it yet, please try to have it ready for September.
As we go into yet another long summer holiday period, there will only be one session in August and that will be on Saturday 9th. I know most of the members will be on vacation so it will only be a token session. The summer assignment for all members is to keep a diary of what they do and where they go. It doesn't have to be a lot - just a sentence or two will suffice - it is really more to keep them writing. Having said that though, any that are handed in when the regular sessions resume in September will, of course, count towards their next certificate.
And talking of certificates, congratulations to Holly - who received her Blue membership certificate and to Fatima who was awarded her Red certificate. Several members are already well on their way to the Purple ones so keep up the good work everyone!
For those of you not away then, I will see you on the 9th. For the rest of you, September sessions resume on 6th September, which will be confirmed nearer the time.
Keep writing - and keep loving it. And just keep an eye on this blog. Happy Summer!!!!!
We were experimenting with "blind poetry" and acronyms (not anagrams as I initially said; thank you Mateus, for pointing that out to me. I think I was having a moment of word-dispraxia!). The "blind poem" (where we all write one line which is folded over before being passed to the next person), was not a huge success and I think this is because their ages are so diverse. Sophia told me bluntly "I don't get it!" so I explained it again and she said "I still don't get it!" So we went over it again and she gave it a go; coming up with a brilliant line. So I think she got it in the end. The acronyms were a much bigger success - as they were when I suggested them to the first group - and they were soon having fun playing with words, which is what it's all about after all!
Many thanks to Lucie - the librarian who came over and picked out the name for our mascot bear - it is Maddie - and everyone will get a certificate to mark their participation in this exercise. It was a great team effort.
Thanks as well to the grown-ups who have already completed their consent forms for October's Exhibition of Work. During the summer break I will ensure I see one of our contacts at the library to finalise the arrangements. I have already asked some of the members to keep specific bits of work safe for this and I will let you all know what is going on display nearer the time. If you haven't completed it yet, please try to have it ready for September.
As we go into yet another long summer holiday period, there will only be one session in August and that will be on Saturday 9th. I know most of the members will be on vacation so it will only be a token session. The summer assignment for all members is to keep a diary of what they do and where they go. It doesn't have to be a lot - just a sentence or two will suffice - it is really more to keep them writing. Having said that though, any that are handed in when the regular sessions resume in September will, of course, count towards their next certificate.
And talking of certificates, congratulations to Holly - who received her Blue membership certificate and to Fatima who was awarded her Red certificate. Several members are already well on their way to the Purple ones so keep up the good work everyone!
For those of you not away then, I will see you on the 9th. For the rest of you, September sessions resume on 6th September, which will be confirmed nearer the time.
Keep writing - and keep loving it. And just keep an eye on this blog. Happy Summer!!!!!
Sunday 29 June 2014
Thank You ...
What a GREAT session we had yesterday! I am really liking the buzz that seems to come whenever the Young Writers get together. They are all getting more confident; some are happy to read their own work, others are happy to throw in ideas. That's what it's all about guys! It is their group; not mine. I just facilitate it! It was lovely to welcome back our seven regulars and to say hello to new member Holly. We have a list of names for our bear and by the next session, with some outside help , her - or his - name will be announced. Because so many ideas for names were being thrown into the mix, I did not even get the chance to write down whose ideas were whose - so I will have to come up with something for all of the members for helping us to choose. And I will, have no fear of that!
We carried on with poetry yesterday. I am seeing some truly amazing work here. Some of their poems have a depth and insight that defies their tender years and it kinda makes me think how easy it is to underestimate children. They are little people who think and work things out for themselves and - because they tend to tell it how it actually is rather than how they think it should be (which is what we tend to do as grown-ups, sad as that may sound), their work really strikes a chord. And with out exhibition in October, I am seriously on the look out for some good work to show. Oh - and talking about the exhibition - I am so sorry I didn't get round to doing the letters in time for yesterday's session. I promise they will be done by the next one.
We looked at poems that don't rhyme and poems that tell a story. I read a couple out and mentioned some others, then I gave out session sheets and reminded them about what we'd covered with story-writing at the beginning - how to get and develop ideas, bearing in mind characters and character names etc - and I told the members they could just as easily apply all that to writing a poem that tells a story. So the assignment for next session - which falls on 12th July - is to try to tell a story using either one poem , or a series of shorter ones.
Red certificates were handed out to Alessandro, Namoshi and Amber - a Red Band Two for Alessandro because he earned the first one at the previous group - so well done to all of them. Fatima will receiver hers next time. And Phoebe received her second membership certificate, so well done to her as well.
Finally, I want to thank all you mums and dads for your continued support, the library for their input and, of course, your talented children for helping Addiscombe Young Writers to succeed.
Good writing everyone. Se you all on the 12th.
We carried on with poetry yesterday. I am seeing some truly amazing work here. Some of their poems have a depth and insight that defies their tender years and it kinda makes me think how easy it is to underestimate children. They are little people who think and work things out for themselves and - because they tend to tell it how it actually is rather than how they think it should be (which is what we tend to do as grown-ups, sad as that may sound), their work really strikes a chord. And with out exhibition in October, I am seriously on the look out for some good work to show. Oh - and talking about the exhibition - I am so sorry I didn't get round to doing the letters in time for yesterday's session. I promise they will be done by the next one.
We looked at poems that don't rhyme and poems that tell a story. I read a couple out and mentioned some others, then I gave out session sheets and reminded them about what we'd covered with story-writing at the beginning - how to get and develop ideas, bearing in mind characters and character names etc - and I told the members they could just as easily apply all that to writing a poem that tells a story. So the assignment for next session - which falls on 12th July - is to try to tell a story using either one poem , or a series of shorter ones.
Red certificates were handed out to Alessandro, Namoshi and Amber - a Red Band Two for Alessandro because he earned the first one at the previous group - so well done to all of them. Fatima will receiver hers next time. And Phoebe received her second membership certificate, so well done to her as well.
Finally, I want to thank all you mums and dads for your continued support, the library for their input and, of course, your talented children for helping Addiscombe Young Writers to succeed.
Good writing everyone. Se you all on the 12th.
Friday 27 June 2014
Next Session ..
Looking forward to seeing you at tomorrow's session and to finding out our bear's name! Have certificates to award and work to return tomorrow (and I will try not to forget this time!), so see you there 9.30 - 10.30, Ashburton Library....
Tuesday 17 June 2014
Name Our Teddy ...
The session held at the library on 7th June went really well. We continued looking at poetry - limericks, this time - and spirits seemed high. It was nice to welcome back Phoebe - who was a member of the original group - and it was reassuring to see how easily she slipped back into Young Writer mode.
At the start of the session, I introduced everyone to our new mascot - a very special little bear bearing the group's name on her tee-shirt - and I threw out a challenge to find her a name. Something to do with either the group or writing would be suitable (and thank you, boys, for suggesting Jilly - that was very sweet) - so please help your young scribes to put on their thinking caps and come up with something original. There will be a special certificate for the winner.
The assignment was to write a poem that doesn't rhyme, just for a little more challenge, and to try and have them in for the next session on June 28th. Congratulations to Mateus and Sophia who were presented with the red certificates last session. I will be presenting a couple more of these next time so well done to everyone for working so hard. Don't forget to keep the certificates safe - if possible put them up on display, so that the Young Writers can see them and feel proud of their achievements.
As mentioned, the next session will be on 28th June - same time, same place. I should have all the letters available by then re the exhibition in October.
In the meantime, do get in touch if you have any feedback, comments or suggestions. See you soon.
At the start of the session, I introduced everyone to our new mascot - a very special little bear bearing the group's name on her tee-shirt - and I threw out a challenge to find her a name. Something to do with either the group or writing would be suitable (and thank you, boys, for suggesting Jilly - that was very sweet) - so please help your young scribes to put on their thinking caps and come up with something original. There will be a special certificate for the winner.
The assignment was to write a poem that doesn't rhyme, just for a little more challenge, and to try and have them in for the next session on June 28th. Congratulations to Mateus and Sophia who were presented with the red certificates last session. I will be presenting a couple more of these next time so well done to everyone for working so hard. Don't forget to keep the certificates safe - if possible put them up on display, so that the Young Writers can see them and feel proud of their achievements.
As mentioned, the next session will be on 28th June - same time, same place. I should have all the letters available by then re the exhibition in October.
In the meantime, do get in touch if you have any feedback, comments or suggestions. See you soon.
Tuesday 3 June 2014
See You Saturday...
Back from a smashing week in picturesque Devon which breathes inspiration at every turn! Getting ready now for the next session which is this Saturday, same time, same place. I have spoken to my library contacts and it looks as if our exhibition of work will run in conjunction with the Family Learning Festival that commences on 10th October. I think it is for a week. I just need to double check all this then I will confirm in a letter that I will provide to all the members as soon as possible. This means that I can start planning the sessions so that we can get a good mix of the members' work to display. I will also produce a Permission sheet for the parents to sign which will allow me to exhibit their work. I produced a similar sheet when we were compiling Word Magic. So keep an eye out for those; they'll also be with you very shortly.
I have been thinking it would be really nice to display some of the childrens' work on this blog so I am inviting some feedback from you, Would you be happy for their work to appear? Copyright will obviously remain with the Young Writers - and it means you can show their work to friends and relatives. I would eventually like to get a website set up for them but I have neither the time nor the money to even think about that at the moment. If you know anyone who would be prepared to help with this please let me know. I have tried in vain to set up several websites but I just don't have the technical know-how and have failed miserably. Any assistance gratefully received!
I bought a mascot for the group whilst in Devon, by the way! I will bring it with me on Saturday to show everyone.
Well that is it for now. I have some assignments to read and some Red Certificates to prepare. See you all Saturday - and Good Writing!
I have been thinking it would be really nice to display some of the childrens' work on this blog so I am inviting some feedback from you, Would you be happy for their work to appear? Copyright will obviously remain with the Young Writers - and it means you can show their work to friends and relatives. I would eventually like to get a website set up for them but I have neither the time nor the money to even think about that at the moment. If you know anyone who would be prepared to help with this please let me know. I have tried in vain to set up several websites but I just don't have the technical know-how and have failed miserably. Any assistance gratefully received!
I bought a mascot for the group whilst in Devon, by the way! I will bring it with me on Saturday to show everyone.
Well that is it for now. I have some assignments to read and some Red Certificates to prepare. See you all Saturday - and Good Writing!
Sunday 18 May 2014
Exhibition Latest ...
Hello everyone. I must say that things have really changed since Addiscombe Young Writers began having sessions at the local library. And - even though there is only between six and eight members at each session - I have to admit, the changes are very positive. Being in such a conducive setting really seems to help the children to focus - PLUS it means I can give them more one to one attention, which I think, helps to boost their confidence. On top of that, at the end of the two most recent sessions, I have had enquiries from interested parents who were just passing through and happened to catch a session in action. This is great news. It means that not only are people hearing about us, they are actually seeing how we work!
Another thing that seems to be working really well is the introduction of the new style worksheets. These little gems are giving the sessions real structure and I only wish I had thought to introduce them sooner. All this positivity of course, takes absolutely nothing away from the way the sessions used to work. It was great having twelve to sixteen (and sometimes twenty or more) children turning up to each session - but it did mean I could only really work effectively with the group as a whole, rather than on the more individual basis enjoyed by the members now. In those early days back in 2012, it was all brand new, unknown territory to me. I had no guidelines to follow, there were no how-to books available. All I really had to work from were a few comprehensive courses I had run for adults, half a dozen workshops I'd run for children and a junior reporter club, from when I was running a weekly column in the local paper. Two years on, I have learned a great deal about how to get the best out of this group and these young writers and I am so proud of how far it has come! So thank you very much for your continued interest and support. I really could not do this without you in the background; you are an amazing bunch!
This week we started looking at poetry, from its very roots hearing nursery rhymes as toddlers. I gave the members a sheet with a dozen or so words on and asked them to think of as many rhyming words as they could for each one. I was taken by complete surprise - and, if I'm honest, a healthy portion of humble pie - when I saw some of their suggestions! And the one word I thought would be most difficult for them to contend with (horse) turned out to be the one that sprouted the most rhyming words. The assignment was then to write a brand new poem using some of their suggestions. If they can do this by the next session that would be great. But - if they would rather stick to a story for the time being then that is okay too. Whatever they are writing, the very key lies in their enjoyment of writing.
I have finally got a date for the exhibition of work. This will be in October and I will tell you more about it in the next blog-post. In the meantime, the next session is on 7th June and I very much look forward to seeing you there.
Another thing that seems to be working really well is the introduction of the new style worksheets. These little gems are giving the sessions real structure and I only wish I had thought to introduce them sooner. All this positivity of course, takes absolutely nothing away from the way the sessions used to work. It was great having twelve to sixteen (and sometimes twenty or more) children turning up to each session - but it did mean I could only really work effectively with the group as a whole, rather than on the more individual basis enjoyed by the members now. In those early days back in 2012, it was all brand new, unknown territory to me. I had no guidelines to follow, there were no how-to books available. All I really had to work from were a few comprehensive courses I had run for adults, half a dozen workshops I'd run for children and a junior reporter club, from when I was running a weekly column in the local paper. Two years on, I have learned a great deal about how to get the best out of this group and these young writers and I am so proud of how far it has come! So thank you very much for your continued interest and support. I really could not do this without you in the background; you are an amazing bunch!
This week we started looking at poetry, from its very roots hearing nursery rhymes as toddlers. I gave the members a sheet with a dozen or so words on and asked them to think of as many rhyming words as they could for each one. I was taken by complete surprise - and, if I'm honest, a healthy portion of humble pie - when I saw some of their suggestions! And the one word I thought would be most difficult for them to contend with (horse) turned out to be the one that sprouted the most rhyming words. The assignment was then to write a brand new poem using some of their suggestions. If they can do this by the next session that would be great. But - if they would rather stick to a story for the time being then that is okay too. Whatever they are writing, the very key lies in their enjoyment of writing.
I have finally got a date for the exhibition of work. This will be in October and I will tell you more about it in the next blog-post. In the meantime, the next session is on 7th June and I very much look forward to seeing you there.
Wednesday 30 April 2014
Onwards and Upwrads
Had a really good session last Saturday. The Young Writers seem to be really getting into it now and it is great to see them working so diligently! At this session we were looking at how trigger objects can help to build story ideas and we recapped on different ways to open and develop stories as well as the various ways to finish them. I handed out Pointer Sheets which summarised everything we have so far covered. I think it would be a great idea to do these quite regularly because then the members have something tangible they can refer back to if they need to. The final assignment of the Writing Stories section is to write a story using one of the trigger objects, incorporating everything we have covered - how to begin, how to develop characters and plot and how to close. The next session is on Saturday 17th May, so if they can return these then, that would really help us to move on to poetry which is where we're going next. And don't forget every assignment completed counts towards their next certificate on the Certificate Trail! One young lady asked if she could write her assignment in the notebook I gave her and this is fine so long as she lets me know so that I can ensure it is read and registered towards the next milestone.
I will be emailing Cathryn and Lucy at the library shortly to see if we can look at possible dates for the proposed Exhibition of Work. I think October/November time would be about right so I will let you all know as soon as we firm up the dates. The children have also asked a couple of times if their work will find its way into "the yellow book" and this is something else I will be looking at, possibly for next year sometime, so again, I will let you know.
With Bank Holidays - and a number of other commitments coming up - I have decided that, for the time being at least, I will let everyone know the next session date as we end the current session. These will still run approximately every fortnight and I will try to ensure two sessions are fitted into each month (except for August), but some flexibility would be appreciated. Keeping an eye on the blog will also help so feel free to browse as often as you wish!
Finally I'd just like to thank you all for your continued support, the library staff for their enthusiasm and, of course, the Young Writers themselves for all their hard work.
See you in a couple of weeks - and enjoy your Bank Holiday weekend!
I will be emailing Cathryn and Lucy at the library shortly to see if we can look at possible dates for the proposed Exhibition of Work. I think October/November time would be about right so I will let you all know as soon as we firm up the dates. The children have also asked a couple of times if their work will find its way into "the yellow book" and this is something else I will be looking at, possibly for next year sometime, so again, I will let you know.
With Bank Holidays - and a number of other commitments coming up - I have decided that, for the time being at least, I will let everyone know the next session date as we end the current session. These will still run approximately every fortnight and I will try to ensure two sessions are fitted into each month (except for August), but some flexibility would be appreciated. Keeping an eye on the blog will also help so feel free to browse as often as you wish!
Finally I'd just like to thank you all for your continued support, the library staff for their enthusiasm and, of course, the Young Writers themselves for all their hard work.
See you in a couple of weeks - and enjoy your Bank Holiday weekend!
Tuesday 15 April 2014
Have A Great Easter ...
Good session again last Saturday so thanks to everyone who came along. We are still pursuing stories and last week looked at how characters can sometimes actually move a story along with the help of their names. I gave the children a work sheet with four character names written on - Mr Clothbear, Fabulous Fiona,
Michael Rich and Miss Smart - and asked them to describe what the characters may be like from their name. This produced some interesting takes where not all members took the names at face value - describing Mr Clothbear as a bear-maker as opposed to a teddy, for example. The idea here was to illustrate the importance of character names and the children seemed to get into the swing of things quite quickly. We also talked about different ways to begin a story, so they were pretty busy really. The assignment set was to start a story featuring one of the characters. And of course it goes without saying that the chocolate eggs at the end of the session were well-received - and well-earned because they all worked so hard! At the next session - 26th April - we will look at different ways to end a story and then we will probably have some fun with poetry for a couple of sessions. In the meantime I'd just like to thank you all for your continued support.
I may have mentioned in a recent blog that the library staff has expressed an interest in having an exhibition of the children's work later in the year and I will try to get this finalised as soon as I can. Once we have a date, we can start working towards it and the members' work will get some recognition. All very exciting! And just to reiterate I am still looking for a guest speaker and I will keep you updated over the next couple of blog posts.
Finally, I have promised the Young Writers I will organise some Sessions and Assignment Sheets with lines across them having watched Namoshi diligently drawing lines with the aid of a ruler. I put it to them and all but one said they would sooner have lined paper so their wish is my command. I will have it in place in time for the next session. This is the kind of feedback I adore, so please do not be afraid to encourage the children to speak up - or indeed, come and see me at the end of the next session if you have any further comments or suggestions.
And I think that is about it for now. Don't forget to put the word out to your friends; let's see if we can build the group a bit more.
Have a great Easter break. See you on 26th!
Michael Rich and Miss Smart - and asked them to describe what the characters may be like from their name. This produced some interesting takes where not all members took the names at face value - describing Mr Clothbear as a bear-maker as opposed to a teddy, for example. The idea here was to illustrate the importance of character names and the children seemed to get into the swing of things quite quickly. We also talked about different ways to begin a story, so they were pretty busy really. The assignment set was to start a story featuring one of the characters. And of course it goes without saying that the chocolate eggs at the end of the session were well-received - and well-earned because they all worked so hard! At the next session - 26th April - we will look at different ways to end a story and then we will probably have some fun with poetry for a couple of sessions. In the meantime I'd just like to thank you all for your continued support.
I may have mentioned in a recent blog that the library staff has expressed an interest in having an exhibition of the children's work later in the year and I will try to get this finalised as soon as I can. Once we have a date, we can start working towards it and the members' work will get some recognition. All very exciting! And just to reiterate I am still looking for a guest speaker and I will keep you updated over the next couple of blog posts.
Finally, I have promised the Young Writers I will organise some Sessions and Assignment Sheets with lines across them having watched Namoshi diligently drawing lines with the aid of a ruler. I put it to them and all but one said they would sooner have lined paper so their wish is my command. I will have it in place in time for the next session. This is the kind of feedback I adore, so please do not be afraid to encourage the children to speak up - or indeed, come and see me at the end of the next session if you have any further comments or suggestions.
And I think that is about it for now. Don't forget to put the word out to your friends; let's see if we can build the group a bit more.
Have a great Easter break. See you on 26th!
Tuesday 8 April 2014
Going Forward ...
Lovely to see another new member at last Saturday's Young Writer session. This means we now have seven so things are definitely moving up and will hopefully continue to do so. I have noticed how much more structured the sessions seem to be now they are being held at the library. The children seem to work much better without any distractions - and - although we have done away with the We are the Young Writers, we love to write mantra that used to kick off the sessions in the group's first incarnation - they do still seem to enjoy being part of a somewhat select little group and they listen intently to everything I say, which is very rewarding for me and means that they are getting something out of it as well.
The topic last week was Stories - how to get ideas for them and what to do with them. The Assignment set was for them to take the notes they made at the session and develop a story with them, thinking about how to open it, ie with the traditional "Once upon a time ..." or description of some sort - ie "It was a dark winter's night and the moon was hiding behind a cloud..." Because of the close proximity of the next session (Saturday 12th to avoid clashing with Easter), I made it quite clear that I do not expect them to finish the assignment. Whatever they bring in with them will still count towards the Certificate Trail so please don't feel you have to push them. A week is not that long and I am sure the Easter Holidays are keeping them busy so I know they may not all have time.
For the remainder of April, we will be sticking with the theme of story writing. This Saturday we will be looking at how to introduce characters and then, on the 26th, we will be looking at how to tie it all together and create a good ending. I have told the Young Writers that the Library are keen for us to exhibit some of their work later in the year so I know they will do their very best - and at the end of the day, I can't ask for more than that.
Finally, I mentioned in the last Post that I may have to slightly alter the May dates so please bear in mind that we will not now have the session on 3rd May but we will have a session on 17th May. I will confirm all the other dates with you as soon as I can, so watch this space. I hope you will bear with me over this. It is largely due to the fact I had things booked from before group was re-launched last month, but the plan is to settle down to a steady two sessions a month (with the exception of August when there will only be one), I promise, and we will get there eventually.
Hope you all have a lovely week and see you Saturday.
The topic last week was Stories - how to get ideas for them and what to do with them. The Assignment set was for them to take the notes they made at the session and develop a story with them, thinking about how to open it, ie with the traditional "Once upon a time ..." or description of some sort - ie "It was a dark winter's night and the moon was hiding behind a cloud..." Because of the close proximity of the next session (Saturday 12th to avoid clashing with Easter), I made it quite clear that I do not expect them to finish the assignment. Whatever they bring in with them will still count towards the Certificate Trail so please don't feel you have to push them. A week is not that long and I am sure the Easter Holidays are keeping them busy so I know they may not all have time.
For the remainder of April, we will be sticking with the theme of story writing. This Saturday we will be looking at how to introduce characters and then, on the 26th, we will be looking at how to tie it all together and create a good ending. I have told the Young Writers that the Library are keen for us to exhibit some of their work later in the year so I know they will do their very best - and at the end of the day, I can't ask for more than that.
Finally, I mentioned in the last Post that I may have to slightly alter the May dates so please bear in mind that we will not now have the session on 3rd May but we will have a session on 17th May. I will confirm all the other dates with you as soon as I can, so watch this space. I hope you will bear with me over this. It is largely due to the fact I had things booked from before group was re-launched last month, but the plan is to settle down to a steady two sessions a month (with the exception of August when there will only be one), I promise, and we will get there eventually.
Hope you all have a lovely week and see you Saturday.
Tuesday 1 April 2014
See You Saturday ...
Just thought I would jot a little reminder about Saturday's session so hope you can make it. I have been looking at what themes and topics we will be covering between now and the start of the school break and should have compiled a list by Saturday. As with the last two years, I will likely as not hold one supplementary session during August, by the way, but I know numbers will be low because of the summer holidays. We will start up again in September when school begins, so watch this space for dates.
Don't forget the assignment set last session was to write a report about their hobbies. Hopefully it will appeal to all of them, but please don't worry too much if they seem to be struggling. I am always quite happy to take a look at any other writing they do but bear in mind that these will be for personal encouragement only and will not count towards their assignments or certificates.
In order to keep the interest I will be coming up with the odd exercise sheet for them to work from, which will (hopefully) tie in with any themes. And I will also keep my ear to the ground for any competitions open to young writers - and if you hear of any, please do drop me a line and let me know and I will try to incorporate them in the coming sessions.
And finally I may have to amend the May and June dates but I will come back to you once I have spoken to the library staff.
Very much look forward to seeing you there - so enjoy the rest of your week and keep in touch.
Don't forget the assignment set last session was to write a report about their hobbies. Hopefully it will appeal to all of them, but please don't worry too much if they seem to be struggling. I am always quite happy to take a look at any other writing they do but bear in mind that these will be for personal encouragement only and will not count towards their assignments or certificates.
In order to keep the interest I will be coming up with the odd exercise sheet for them to work from, which will (hopefully) tie in with any themes. And I will also keep my ear to the ground for any competitions open to young writers - and if you hear of any, please do drop me a line and let me know and I will try to incorporate them in the coming sessions.
And finally I may have to amend the May and June dates but I will come back to you once I have spoken to the library staff.
Very much look forward to seeing you there - so enjoy the rest of your week and keep in touch.
Sunday 23 March 2014
Getting Stronger ...
Had a great Session 2 with the Young Writers yesterday! All five of those from Session 1 two weeks ago did return - I am delighted to say - and two new members came along as well! They all seemed to settle very quickly to the task in hand - which was to write a short report on their favourite books, story or TV show. As before I was on hand to help out if they got stuck, and I had taken along a selection of my own published books for them to look at for ideas. All five from Session 1 handed in their completed assignments which I shall go through over the next few days. And I have also thought of a much better system for myself to keep tabs on where they are on the Certificate Trail and this information will be available for the children or their parents to look at if there is any confusion about where they have got to. Don't forget they need to hand in four completed assignments to get their Red Certificates but - and this is also important - they do not have to do the assignments given to them if they don't feel like it. It might be several sessions before they manage all four but once they do, that is when the Certificate will be awarded. I wanted this to be the way it works because I am very anxious for them not to confuse the Writing Group sessions with schoolwork. The whole idea is that they write because they want to because that is when they will be at their most spontaneous - so mums and dads, please do not worry too much about it if they don't always want to join in. Naturally once competitions are introduced they will have closing dates to work to but at this point in time, it is very important that the enjoyment factor is retained. Thanks for your support in this!
At the end of the session I handed out the Blue Membership Certificates and it is important these are kept safe - maybe even displayed in their room or somewhere in the home - so that they can be proud of what they achieve. The assignment set was to write about a hobby they particularly enjoy and hopefully, by the next session, I will have a list of what we will start tackling from April onwards, which I can hand out to the parents at the end of the next session. And, as I said yesterday, please feel free to leave any comments or suggestions on this blog because I want us all to get the very best out of this group and your input is very welcome! Finally I can confirm the next session will be on 5th April and the following sessions will be:
12th April
26th April
3rd May
17th May
31st May
14th June
28th June
Please note that the two April ones are close together to accommodate Easter which falls on the weekend of the 18th when I am actually away for a few days - as many of you possibly are, too. Generally the idea is two sessions a month - or as close to fortnightly as possible.
The library staff are being incredibly supportive in all this and at the moment we are already considering an exhibition of the children's work later in the year - then maybe next year - if all goes well - we can look at another book showcasing their talents.
So thank you to all the young writers for coming along and to all you parents for bringing them and waiting so patiently. Have a lovely couple of weeks and I will see you on the 5th! And keep an eye on this blog just in case anything else comes up.
At the end of the session I handed out the Blue Membership Certificates and it is important these are kept safe - maybe even displayed in their room or somewhere in the home - so that they can be proud of what they achieve. The assignment set was to write about a hobby they particularly enjoy and hopefully, by the next session, I will have a list of what we will start tackling from April onwards, which I can hand out to the parents at the end of the next session. And, as I said yesterday, please feel free to leave any comments or suggestions on this blog because I want us all to get the very best out of this group and your input is very welcome! Finally I can confirm the next session will be on 5th April and the following sessions will be:
12th April
26th April
3rd May
17th May
31st May
14th June
28th June
Please note that the two April ones are close together to accommodate Easter which falls on the weekend of the 18th when I am actually away for a few days - as many of you possibly are, too. Generally the idea is two sessions a month - or as close to fortnightly as possible.
The library staff are being incredibly supportive in all this and at the moment we are already considering an exhibition of the children's work later in the year - then maybe next year - if all goes well - we can look at another book showcasing their talents.
So thank you to all the young writers for coming along and to all you parents for bringing them and waiting so patiently. Have a lovely couple of weeks and I will see you on the 5th! And keep an eye on this blog just in case anything else comes up.
Wednesday 12 March 2014
FANDABIDOSY!!
Hello and welcome to the first blog post for the new era of Addiscombe Young Writers! Our relaunch session at the library on Saturday went really well! Sitting in the library at some specially reserved tables, I watched as one by one, people began to trickle over. I was so pleased to receive four new members and to welcome back, for the first half hour anyway, Alessandro - one of the "old boys". The whole setting, the ambiance, being able to sit next to the Young Writers one at a time if they got stuck, being in a Book place, full of - well - books - with millions of words whispering silent welcomes all around us - it was just magical.
So a big welcome to the new members and their mums and dads and - as promised (albeit a little later than I had planned) - here is the feedback, plus a little information about the way the group works. Firstly, I thought we would get off to an easy start. I wanted to just get the children actually writing so I pretty much gave them a free rein. When one youngster got stuck, I wrote her name in her notebook and asked her to put a word to each letter. In no time they were almost all trying this exercise, just playing with words, seeing them as something to have fun with and I could see their confidence building up as the minutes ticked by. It was hugely rewarding! At the end of the session I handed out Assginment Sheets and asked them to write down what they would like to get out of this group, and do at future sessions, and to bring those back to the next session. I will then bring them home and read through them and make appropriate comments, as well as take any suggestions on board to carry forward where possible.
When I first started this group, I was not at all sure how to hold the collective attention of a group of aspiring young authors so that they did not get bored or feel like they were back at school. I eventually hit on two ways to keep their interest and I am carrying these over as the new era begins. Firstly I will reiterate that I am not a teacher. I am a writer and I love to write. I also love to inspire children to write and I did not feel that there was a lot about to encourage them in Creative Writing outside of school. So in order to monitor their progress, the Two Stars And A Wish system of giving constructive feedback was initiated. Each time I read a piece of their work, I will attach a slip with two positive comments on it (the stars) and one piece of constructive advice (the wish). And they are of course free to talk to me if they are not sure what I mean or if they have any questions.
I also thought it would make sense to reward the Young Writers some how by giving them something tangible that they can feel and touch and know they have earned - so the Certificate Trail was born. The children receive a Blue Certificate just for joining. After four completed assignments, they receive a Red Certificate. After eight completed assignments, they receive a Purple Certificate and the creme-de-la-creme is the Rainbow Certificate which is awarded on completion of twelve assignments. If after that, the children choose to stay I have started a Band system so that their next Red Certificate will be their Band One Red Certificate. This differentiates it from the first Red Certificate but is still awarded for remaining focused, producing work and meeting deadlines - rather like the different coloured belts people work towards in Judo or Karate.
Once we are settled into a routine, I will then start introducing the competitions (including any I find that specifically targets this age group) and eventually Guest Writers. We have also done other things to expand on their experience - like writing in the park on a sunny day or going on a theatre trip - but that will all come in time.
Finally I just wanted to say thanks again for coming and that the next session is on Saturday 22nd March, same time (9.30), same place (Ashburton Library) and I look forward to seeing you there.
Good writing everyone.
So a big welcome to the new members and their mums and dads and - as promised (albeit a little later than I had planned) - here is the feedback, plus a little information about the way the group works. Firstly, I thought we would get off to an easy start. I wanted to just get the children actually writing so I pretty much gave them a free rein. When one youngster got stuck, I wrote her name in her notebook and asked her to put a word to each letter. In no time they were almost all trying this exercise, just playing with words, seeing them as something to have fun with and I could see their confidence building up as the minutes ticked by. It was hugely rewarding! At the end of the session I handed out Assginment Sheets and asked them to write down what they would like to get out of this group, and do at future sessions, and to bring those back to the next session. I will then bring them home and read through them and make appropriate comments, as well as take any suggestions on board to carry forward where possible.
When I first started this group, I was not at all sure how to hold the collective attention of a group of aspiring young authors so that they did not get bored or feel like they were back at school. I eventually hit on two ways to keep their interest and I am carrying these over as the new era begins. Firstly I will reiterate that I am not a teacher. I am a writer and I love to write. I also love to inspire children to write and I did not feel that there was a lot about to encourage them in Creative Writing outside of school. So in order to monitor their progress, the Two Stars And A Wish system of giving constructive feedback was initiated. Each time I read a piece of their work, I will attach a slip with two positive comments on it (the stars) and one piece of constructive advice (the wish). And they are of course free to talk to me if they are not sure what I mean or if they have any questions.
I also thought it would make sense to reward the Young Writers some how by giving them something tangible that they can feel and touch and know they have earned - so the Certificate Trail was born. The children receive a Blue Certificate just for joining. After four completed assignments, they receive a Red Certificate. After eight completed assignments, they receive a Purple Certificate and the creme-de-la-creme is the Rainbow Certificate which is awarded on completion of twelve assignments. If after that, the children choose to stay I have started a Band system so that their next Red Certificate will be their Band One Red Certificate. This differentiates it from the first Red Certificate but is still awarded for remaining focused, producing work and meeting deadlines - rather like the different coloured belts people work towards in Judo or Karate.
Once we are settled into a routine, I will then start introducing the competitions (including any I find that specifically targets this age group) and eventually Guest Writers. We have also done other things to expand on their experience - like writing in the park on a sunny day or going on a theatre trip - but that will all come in time.
Finally I just wanted to say thanks again for coming and that the next session is on Saturday 22nd March, same time (9.30), same place (Ashburton Library) and I look forward to seeing you there.
Good writing everyone.
Tuesday 4 March 2014
Almost There ...
Just a few days left till the Young Writer group begins again. I can hardly wait! Thanks to Louise - sorry to see the talented Caitlin and Daniel go but wish them every success in their future writing endeavors. I have sent their work back to you - along with the signed book for Caitlin. Good luck to the whole family.
I will continue updating this blog on a regular basis as long as the group calls for it
- and - as we move into the new era, I would just like to thank you all for helping me to pioneer this group back in 2012. I couldn't have done it without you so now; let's just see where it goes!
As promised here is the link to the BBC I mentioned in the last post -
www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunities
If you go on there you will find a list of competitions etc. I am not sure how often they run the childrens' competition but it will probably be worth keeping an eye on it. If I come across anymore links, or if I hear of anymore competitions, I will let you know.
In the meantime, whether your children come back or not, don't be afraid to keep in touch. It would be a privilege for me to hear how well they are doing!
Good writing!
I will continue updating this blog on a regular basis as long as the group calls for it
- and - as we move into the new era, I would just like to thank you all for helping me to pioneer this group back in 2012. I couldn't have done it without you so now; let's just see where it goes!
As promised here is the link to the BBC I mentioned in the last post -
www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunities
If you go on there you will find a list of competitions etc. I am not sure how often they run the childrens' competition but it will probably be worth keeping an eye on it. If I come across anymore links, or if I hear of anymore competitions, I will let you know.
In the meantime, whether your children come back or not, don't be afraid to keep in touch. It would be a privilege for me to hear how well they are doing!
Good writing!
Tuesday 4 February 2014
Did You Get Your Letters?
Hi everyone. Hopefully you have all received your letters and information sheets by now. Please get in touch if there is anything else you want to know. And thank you to Lisa (mum to Oliver and Sophia) for texting me. As I said I know that the Saturdays will not suit everyone but hopefully it will be okay for some of you. I will be putting up some local posters and flyers shortly, so keep an eye out for them. I am also contacting a number of local schools, so hopefully that will generate some interest, too.
If your children have lost interest in the group or are unable to attend the sessions because of other commitments, could you let me know what you would like me to do with their work? I think I will probably keep it for another four weeks or so and, if I haven't heard from you by then, I will take it you don't want them and I'll shred them so that I can free up some storage space. I have work from quite a few so if you do want it back, could you drop me a line or text me? At the end of the day it is their work and they are entitled to have it back.
If the children aren't coming back, it might interest them to know that Forward Press have launched a page on their website which is specifically for young writers. It looks like they offer competitions and advice to young writers so it might be a good way to keep their interest. The email address is www.forwardpoetry.co.uk It might also interest you to know that the BBC runs competitions for child-authors and poets, You just need to log onto their Writer's Room pages. I don't have the link at the moment, but I will look it up and put it into the next post. I hope they are able to utilise these if they aren't coming back because it is important they put into practice all the fundamentals they got from AYW so that we can be sure there will always be a future generations of writers and poets!
I think that is it for now. Once again everyone thank you for helping to make AYW the success it was. My plans now are to make it better still. Best wishes, and keep in touch!
If your children have lost interest in the group or are unable to attend the sessions because of other commitments, could you let me know what you would like me to do with their work? I think I will probably keep it for another four weeks or so and, if I haven't heard from you by then, I will take it you don't want them and I'll shred them so that I can free up some storage space. I have work from quite a few so if you do want it back, could you drop me a line or text me? At the end of the day it is their work and they are entitled to have it back.
If the children aren't coming back, it might interest them to know that Forward Press have launched a page on their website which is specifically for young writers. It looks like they offer competitions and advice to young writers so it might be a good way to keep their interest. The email address is www.forwardpoetry.co.uk It might also interest you to know that the BBC runs competitions for child-authors and poets, You just need to log onto their Writer's Room pages. I don't have the link at the moment, but I will look it up and put it into the next post. I hope they are able to utilise these if they aren't coming back because it is important they put into practice all the fundamentals they got from AYW so that we can be sure there will always be a future generations of writers and poets!
I think that is it for now. Once again everyone thank you for helping to make AYW the success it was. My plans now are to make it better still. Best wishes, and keep in touch!
Tuesday 28 January 2014
Look Out For Your Letters!
Hello again everyone. Following on from my previous post about the relaunch of AYW, I am just writing to let you all know that your letters will be in the post by the end of the week. The letter is going out to the parents of all previous members, but please spread the word and let me know if anyone else is interested in signing up their talented scribes. I will also be approaching the most local schools and getting some posters up around Addiscombe over the next couple of weeks. Honestly I cannot tell you how excited I am by all this. And it would be so nice to see some familiar faces on 8th March; even if it is just to say hi and pick up some work from before (although it goes without saying that I'd love it if everyone came back and stayed!).Also keep an eye in the local papers because I am hoping to get some coverage there as well - and possibly even local radio if I can find a way in!
Thanks for checking the blog and - and I can really say this now - see you soon!
Thanks for checking the blog and - and I can really say this now - see you soon!
Sunday 12 January 2014
Here We Go, Here We Go, Here We Go ...
Hello everyone. Okay want some really good news? I have finally got some dates for AYW sessions! Join me in a cheer and tell all your friends! The group will be relaunched with its first session on Saturday 8th March, 9.30 - 10.30 at the Ashburton Library in Shirley Road (next to the Oasis Academy). The following sessions are planned for 22nd March, 5th April, 12th April and 26th April, all Saturdays, all 9.30 - 10.30 and all at the library. The library team and I will then review it and, all being well, put some more dates together. The sessions will still be free. Parents are allowed to leave their children with us if they are aged 8 and over, but the library team has stressed that the parents of children aged 7 and under - although not necessarily sitting with us, are required to stay on the premises and are most welcome to use the facilities there. The other thing is that I will be starting the Certificate Trail again , right from scratch, because I am confident we will get a new flock of budding writers in, but all those talented scribblers from the original group will fly though them. And at least that way I can keep better tabs on who has got where.
I seriously considered starting the group again in February, but after some thought decided it would be better to start it in March because it gives us all time to get The Word Out - and this means posters, flyers, letters to all previous members, texts and emails - and hopefully some local newspaper coverage. So there you are. Keep and eye out for your letters and, if you know any other youngsters who might be interested, let me know and I will send letters to them as well. And please spread the word at your child's school and Sunday school.
I am so delighted to finally have some good news for everyone and cannot wait to see you all again in the not too distant future!
I seriously considered starting the group again in February, but after some thought decided it would be better to start it in March because it gives us all time to get The Word Out - and this means posters, flyers, letters to all previous members, texts and emails - and hopefully some local newspaper coverage. So there you are. Keep and eye out for your letters and, if you know any other youngsters who might be interested, let me know and I will send letters to them as well. And please spread the word at your child's school and Sunday school.
I am so delighted to finally have some good news for everyone and cannot wait to see you all again in the not too distant future!
Sunday 5 January 2014
AT LONG LAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hello everyone! I am SO excited. Oh - Happy New Year by the way! I have finally heard from my contact at Ashburton Library. I got an email on Friday to confirm I can re-launch the Young Writers! I am going for a meeting next Saturday (11th January) to confirm dates and my plan is to do a new flyer, a new email, new texts and get some newspaper coverage to let everyone know when the first session of 2014 will be. See? I said I wouldn't give up on it - or on you - or on the Young Writers - and I didn't. Anyone who was a member before is very welcome to come back. And if younger siblings want to give it a try this time, then why not fetch them along? Boy - I have missed you all. My writing life came to a complete standstill without you. Watch this space. Back with dates very soon. Promise.
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