Encourage creativity this summer

Last weekend in Glasgsow, teenagers had the chance to attend a fun-filled two days at Storycon, the creative writing conference designed by teens, for teens. Now in its third year, Storycon is part of What’s Your Story?, a programme run by Scottish Book Trust which provides creative writing and illustrating opportunities for young people in Scotland.

Storycon gives teens support to learn new skills and develop their interests, as well as the chance to meet creative professionals and build networks and friendships with other teens through their shared love of reading, writing and illustrating. Workshops included writing for videogames, advanced comic illustration, research methods for writers and breaking out of writer’s block. The aim is to encourage creativity and with the school holidays stretching ahead there are many ways to build on this for children and young people.

Summer holidays are the perfect time to encourage creativity in children of all ages. If you are looking for inspiration, try providing different writing prompts such as quirky characters or mysterious settings as a hook for a piece of writing or illustration. You’ll find lots of great suggestions at www. scottishbooktrust.com/writing.