Literary Stuffing: New Group & Grant Deadline

When I was a younger me and thus an extra curricular enthusiast, I was part of the writing group at my school. Ironically called ‘Writer’s Block’ it was a small, semi-tight group of teenage poets and writers who fervently pursued the literary art form. It was awesome not only because it was a space to read my works aloud, but because it was a community of peers to read to where I got honest, open feedback that wasn’t from supporting friends and family who don’t really want to hurt me. Constructive criticism hurts at first but it’s what anyone needs to become better at what they do and in turn you learn and pass on the lessons you learn. I’m not sure where you go now outside of school if you’re a young writer wanting to get in on that kind of experience. Or rather I wasn’t sure until I got some notice a couple of days ago:

YOUTH WRITERS CLUB

Brampton Library’s Youth Writers Club is starting on September 9, 2010 and running until May 12, 2011.

If you are a secondary school student interested in writing short stories, essays, novels, poetry,
and/or other forms of literature you are invited to join the Club!

At monthly meetings, you and your peers will bring your original writings for peer
editing and group appreciation. Facilitators from the Brampton Writer’s Workshop
and teachers from local Secondary Schools will provide guidance in the art of
writing and different literary techniques to help you further develop your
writing skills. Guest writers from the community will occasionally be invited to
share their knowledge and experience.

Club meetings will be held at Four Corners Branch (65 Queen St. E), from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. There is no cost to join the Club; but registration is required. Register in person at any library
location, by phone at 905-793-4636, or by email to sdey@bramlib.on.ca.

Registration begins Monday, August 16.

In other news, you have less than a week left to hand in your application package for the Harry Dale Literary Grant for Aspiring Writers. Young and old have applied for the award, last year Lori-Ann Russell was of the younger side and the first to receive the honour. This year who’s saying it couldn’t be you?