I love working with young writers. I have been working with them for the last ten years, inspiring them to be creative and have fun with creative writing. Encouraging them to play and explore, to find methods that suit them as well as keep writing as creative writing is the same as any other creative pursuit in that you improve with practice.
I have published four anthologies of stories by young writers for young readers to encourage these young writers to showcase their writing and encourage them to keep going.
Last night, I attended a performance by some young creatives who had written a script and then performed it.
Over the years I have also attended many performances by young creatives from choirs to bands to musicals to buskers, and more.
The work by these young creatives is often not perfect, it’s not of a professional standard, but that doesn’t matter. Their work is fun and enthusiastic and, after all, everyone has to start somewhere. These young creatives are all showing what they can do and organisations who provide them opportunities to showcase their talents are providing invaluable opportunities.
I love supporting young creatives and seeing them grow and develop. From those first, tentative steps trying something new to getting experience to watching them grow to become confident young adults and, possibly, becoming professionals in their chosen creative field.
Every time I see a young person get out on stage to perform, or submit a story to a competition or publishing, or put up their painting or photograph to show the world, I get excited. To put yourself out there as a creative takes a huge amount of bravery. It can be hard as an adult to put yourself out there, so seeing young creatives putting themselves out there is wonderful.
I also get excited to see the grown ups who are providing them with opportunities. To see the community around them supporting them and cheering them on. To see people buying tickets and copies of their books. These are the things that support and encourage these young creatives to keep going while providing them with a valuable foundation for them to use to grow.
When you have the opportunity, support young creatives in their endeavours. You can do this in a number of ways including:
- buy their books
- buy tickets to their shows
- drop money in the guitar cases of buskers
- sponsor activities that provide opportunities for young creatives including eisteddfods and plays
- donate to organisations that provide instruments and lessons to young creatives
- generally encourage them when you see them perform or see them creating
This encouragement is invaluable to help them grow and they may grow to become the professional creatives of the future.
