The Writing Squad

Sketch a Day - Day 70/365

Today I am thinking about the new cohort of young writers that the Writing Squad is currently on the look out for.

So, I decided to try and draw the promo image for the recruitment campaign. What did I discover? It's hard to draw. So many circles…

Anyway, random sketch aside, I like this bit of the recruitment campaign, as the deadline starts to appear on the horizon.

I start thinking about who the next cohort will be. Knowing they are out there. That they may not have applied yet, but still, they're there.

It's so exciting, to get to work with young writers who are passionate about communicating with words. In all the forms - poetry, prose, for performance, for zines, for activism, for joy, for expression, for finding their way, for shining a light - for real.

Soon we are going to be having those first chats over a coffee, or zooms after work or collage.

Starting the conversation.

What are you thinking about?

What's bugging you?

What do you want to write this year?

Chewing the cud and finding out what makes them tick/itch/have to get words on the page.

It will be a journey.

A challenge.

It will be fun.

It will be different with each writer we take on, because they are all on their own paths.

Sometimes it's hard work for me to keep up. But it is never, ever dull.

These are the reasons I think being a core team member maybe the best job in the world.

Anyway, I am thinking about all of that.

But first, before all of this awesome stuff can begin, we have to find the writers.

Which means shouting far and wide.

If you were born, live or study in the north of England, you’re 16-22, and you write, you’re good and you know you want to work on this and become the best writer you can be, then you are who we want to hear from.

Come on already. Apply.

The links on how too, and more info can be found here👉🏻 https://www.writingsquad.com/join-the-squad/

But heres the big takeaway stuff - 2 years. All free. Workshops, opportunities, one to ones with core team writers and joining a community that offers peer friendships and inspirations.

We go at your pace and fit around your life/school/FE/HE/&/orWork.

What's not to love?

Apply.

And if you know anyone who you think should apply, tell them about us.

Or if you work with young people and you know some of them write/create/do interesting stuff? Get the link under their noses.

Deadline is 31st of March 2025. There's time. Come on.

And that's the news.