Mentorship programme seeks emerging young writers

8 February 2019
Literary youth mentorship programme seeks emerging young writers

Four New Zealand secondary school students have an opportunity to be mentored by one of our professional writers in order to develop their craft and hone their skills.

The New Zealand Society of Authors (Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa) opens its Youth Mentorship Programme for 2019 and offers four aspiring young writers (aged 15-18) a chance to secure a mentorship from May to November, giving them the opportunity to gain valuable skills and knowledge.

The intent of the programme is to foster emerging writing talent with the support of established authors, with ongoing feedback and development of their work throughout the mentorship.

Aspiring Auckland writer Xiaole Zhan, was partnered with poet and editor Ivy Alvarez for her 2018 mentorship and had this to say about her experience: “I enjoyed how the mentorship was very individualised to my personal goals and needs. I also enjoyed the opportunity for open discussion, which often helped me approach a concept from a different perspective. The opportunity to submit reworked sections of my manuscript for feedback also allowed me to see the ways in which I'd improved.”

The NZSA is the principal organisation representing writers in New Zealand. We offer support through advocacy and representation, professional development opportunities, information and guidance on publishing and the literary arts, administer prizes and awards and provide a contract advisory service.

We work to protect author incomes and are affiliated to International PEN, whereby we are a voice that upholds freedom of speech and protest against writers falsely silenced and imprisoned around the world. We offer student, associate and full memberships. Our many assessment and mentorship programmes, such as our annual Youth mentorships, are offered with the support of Creative New Zealand. For more information please see our website: authors.org.nz

The deadline for applications is 4 April 2019

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