Scottish Book Trust searching for teenage writers and illustrators

Applications open for Scottish Book Trust’s What’s Your Story? programme

Scottish Book Trust has announced that applications are open for their What’s Your Story? programme. Now in its fifth year, the scheme has helped around 30 young Scots to develop writing, illustration and performance projects. 

14 – 17 year olds living in Scotland are encouraged to apply for an all expenses paid opportunity to learn, grow and create as a writer or illustrator.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said : “Nurturing new young talent in the Scottish literary scene is so important and Scottish Book Trust is proud to launch the fifth year of What’s Your Story, focused on supporting young people.  The programme offers a truly unique opportunity and we urge parents and teachers to encourage the teens in their lives with a passion for writing or illustration to apply.”

Alongside traditional applications by young people themselves, this year adults are also encouraged to refer those who are passionate advocates of teenage participation in creative and literary culture tthey think are suitable for the programme. For the first time this year, teens can choose to submit a video highlighting why they should be selected for the programme, or complete the written application form.

Teens selected for the programme will take part in an induction weekend at the National Library of Scotland to gain inspiration for their personal work, and will also be paired with a professional mentor who will work with them over six months. As part of What’s Your Story?, the teens will take part in a week-long retreat at Moniack Mhor, Scotland’s Creative Writing Centre, where they will have dedicated time with their mentors. The participants will also plan and host StoryCon 2020, Scotland’s biggest creative writing and illustration conference for young people.

The young people will also have the opportunity to preview their creative projects at a showcase event, wrapping up the work they have completed during the What’s Your Story? programme. Industry experts will train the young people to express their work in front of a live audience, with the use of music and images.

Organised and run by Scottish Book Trust, What’s Your Story? was originally funded by Time to Shine, Creative Scotland’s national youth arts strategy and is the first nationwide programme of its kind in Scotland. This year it is funded by private donors and The Gaelic Books Council funds a Gaelic-language place. What’s Your Story? is free to take part in and travel expenses are covered for all participants. 

Applications close on 27 November 2019, and can be made online at thestoryis.co.uk/storyboard