Encouragement for young authors in the region

You're never too young to become a writer

Leeds has a great literary tradition as exemplified by writers such as Arthur Ransome, Alan Bennett, Keith Waterhouse and poet Tony Harrison.

Now a local association wants to encourage the next generation of scribes.

The National Association of Writers in Education (NAWE) are launching a Young Writers Hub in Yorkshire.

Described as the first of its kind in the country, it will be a news-driven resource and information directory.

It will concentrate on providing opportunities for writers aged between 16 & 25 in the region, and will complement other groups such as Leeds Young Authors, which was set up to promote positive social dialogue through the written and spoken word among young people of High School age (ages 13-19).

The launch event at The Carriageworks featured an evening of readings, discussion, networking and a chance to meet those running the hub and find out how to get involved.

Wes Brown.....no, not the footballer!

The Hub will be co-ordinated by Leeds-based young writer Wes Brown. Wes is a 24 year old writer and founding editor of Cadaverine Magazine.

He is also the Information Manager for the National Association for Literature Development (NALD) and an associate of the Institute for the Future of the Book. His debut novel, Shark has been published by Dog Horn Publishing.

Wes believes that the writers hub will be vital for encouraging young, local talent:

"For the first time, young writers and those who support them have a dedicated resource and outreach agency that can enable them to get to where they want to be. I hope the impact on our culture will be immense."

Young writers who are interested in getting involved should contact Wes via NAWE.