Library squad shows it's made of the write stuff...

The below article can be found in its entirety on This Is Plymouth and first appeared in the Plymouth Herald.

A CREATIVE writing project is proving a big hit with local youngsters.

A new writing squad for writers aged between 12 and 15 years old has recently launched at Plymstock Library.

The Young Writers Squad is being led by award-winning writer Babs Horton.

She is helping the youngsters explore how to power up imagination, get the creative juices flowing and giving them tips on how to put pen to paper.

Joy Dixon, assistant community librarian, said: "We have around 15 young people in the group who are working with Babs as part of the creative writing group.

"They have previously worked on a piece of poetry and are now looking at creating a piece of prose.

"Everyone really seems to be enjoying the project and we have some very, very keen young people in the group.

"They are now starting to become more forthcoming with their ideas and are sharing them with each other.

"Some of the writers even feel confident enough now to share their pieces aloud with the rest of the group.

"Babs recently did a lot of work with the group on smells and how they instigate memories and allow you to reminisce.

"That's how Babs works. She brought in little pots with various smelling items in like cinnamon, party poppers, brown sauce and polish.

"It's the first time we've run a project like this and it has been really well attended but there are spaces still available for anyone who wants to join.

"The aim of the group is to promote and instil confidence in creative writing. We are currently in the process of setting up an online blog where we can showcase their work and we also hope to produce an anthology at the end of the course."

The Young Writer Squad Network is a project of Literature Works (formerly Cyprus Well), the South West literature development agency, and is part of the Read/Write project funded by Big Lottery.

The charity raises funds for reading and writing activity and has funded several writers' residences across the South West.

Babs has taught in many Plymouth secondary schools.

Her first book, A Jarful of Angels, won an award.

Dandelion Soup was published in 2004, Wildcat Moon in 2006 and her new novel, Recipes for Cherubs, is out now.

YWS at Trowbridge Library

My 13 year old daughter has been attending the Young Writers Squad sessions in Trowbridge Library and is enjoying them immensely. When she first heard about the project she was really excited, as she’s been looking for a chance to gain writing experience and share work with peers. She was particularly pleased that this programme had long sessions – allowing plenty of time to write and share work. She is already part of Thrillseekers Book group in Chippenham Library and knows the Children’s Librarian who was going to be involved – this made her feel confident about attending as she really enjoys Tracy’s books sessions. She had heard some of Sarah Benwell’s work read aloud at a session in the past too and so she knew it was a fantastic chance to work with a high quality writer.

My daughter is a keen reader and writer but she’s in year 9 and there are many other distractions for someone of that age! What this group has provided is support, inspiration, enthusiasm and motivation. She is enjoying meeting other young people who love to write and has been inspired by some of the work they’ve read aloud. She is reading and writing more than ever since taking part in this – and is keenly working on her own novel as well as short stories and pieces for the group. Finally, I should add that we live 14 miles away from Trowbridge and work very hard to fit this in between another child’s Thursday activities and a busy work schedule for both parents – even roping grandparents (who live 28 miles away from Trowbridge) into providing some of the lifts. We made this big effort because it’s a high quality, well run opportunity for a young writer and it’s the kind of experience that can make a lasting impression.

Lesley Taylor