Now all’s that changing as those who aspire to become published storytellers can today be part of an ongoing project aimed at shaping the next generation of local writers.
Launched in 2018, the Junior Writers Programme is an annual workshop that gives young writers a chance to have their works published in an anthology of short stories.
The latest anthology called “Secrets & Lies” was launched just last month and consists of 20 riveting tales. Each story is 1,000 to 2,000 words in length with the writer given total freedom to use their creativity as they wish.
For example, the first story titled “New School” by Alysha Lee Mae Yi, 12, is about a student who recently transferred to a new school due to a shameful family secret.
“The Gossip Columnist” by Vyasa Dheva Nithyan, 13, meanwhile tells the tale of a girl who discovers a darker side to her best friend’s family.
While the themes lean towards stories of mysteries and thrillers, some stories delve into more personal and intimate matters, relevant to readers on the cusp of adulthood.
“Waking Up” by Sivesha Vasanthan, 14, is about a boy grappling with his identity and his desire to be accepted by his family for who he is.
“More Like a Girl” by Shashini Vijaya Kumar, 14, centres around a female character bullied by her peers into behaving more feminine.
Despite the age of the authors, some of the stories genuinely hit harder than one might expect, and may be up to par with works by more mature writers.
Proceeds from the book sales of “Secrets & Lies” will go towards supporting Thrive Well’s Community Centres.
Speaking to FMT, Brigitte Rozario, founder of the Junior Writers Programme, explained the goals behind her project.
“It dawned on me that there were kids out there who like to write. And their parents often don’t know what to do with them,” she said, adding that while schools do teach children proper grammar and punctuation, they are still not an adequate outlet for creative storytellers.
Hence, Rozario, a writer herself, started the programme to teach aspiring young writers how to craft stories.
To incentivise them to join the programme, Rozario offered them the chance to have their work published in an anthology series, the first being published in 2018.
Rozario was quick to add that before getting one’s work published, they must apply to join the Junior Writers Programme. This involved submitting a short story and attending an interview to ensure that they are the actual writers.
Once accepted into the programme, they undergo seven months of training after which they work on their short stories based on the theme given.
Playing the role of editor, Rozario shortlists and edits the stories which will be published in the final version of the book.
“It’s not like being in school where you submit your paper, it gets marked, it goes back to you and you just look it and go, ‘Okay!’”
At the end of every year, there will also be an official launch in a bookshop, which the young authors are often thrilled to be a part of.
So, what are some tips for young authors out there? Rozario said they must be mindful that they are writing about their character, not their setting.
“Sometimes they get caught up writing a story where they lose sight of their character. Who are your characters? What is the story about? You’re writing a story, not a news report!”
She also reminds authors to have a comprehensive idea of what they want to write about, rather than risk running out of steam later.
“When they don’t know how to end their story, they end it with: ‘Then she woke up from her dream.’ That’s a cop-out!”
Rozario said that from her observation, young Malaysians do possess creative potential, although this was more evident in memes rather than the written word.
APPLY NOW TILL OCT 3, 2023!
Aspiring authors aged 16 and below, who wish to be published, can apply to join the Junior Writers Programme now. Click here for more information.