Sage Hill Writing provides free-of-charge professional mentorship to budding writers
This summer, creative young writers can access free-of-charge writing workshops, where they can develop their creative writing skills with a local, professional writer.
Sage Hill Writing, a not-forprofit organization that offers creative writing development programs, is offering the five-day workshops in La Ronge, Swift Current, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, and Regina.
The programs are recommended for teens aged 1418, with the exception of those in Swift Current and La Ronge, which are geared toward ages 1216 and 11-14, respectively.
Young writers can apply online at http://www.sagehillwriting. ca/teens.
Sage Hill Writing’s Teen & Young Writers’ Workshops are designed to encourage the growth and development of students who want to connect with the writing community and learn about writing as a craft and a profession.
Participants are guided through writing activities in various genres, and instructors speak on the writing life, professional expectations, and publication.
This year, instructors include notable writers Miriam Korner in La Ronge, Beth Goobie in Moose Jaw, Evonne Garnett in Prince Albert, Madonna Hamel in Swift Current, Danica Lorer in Saskatoon, and Coby Stephenson in Regina.
In Swift Current it is recommended for ages 12-16 from July 23 – 27 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Swift Current Branch Library. Guest author has yet to be announced
In order to give students access to diverse professional approaches, perspectives, and areas of expertise, each workshop features a guest appearance by a second author from the community.
Sage Hill’s students consistently give positive feedback about the connections they build and the impact of the program on their writing.
Participants gain important transferrable skills: the abilities to write clearly and persuasively, consider various perspectives, give and receive constructive criticism, analyze information, and speak publicly.
"This program helped me to not be so hesitant to read my work to others and to put myself out there." noted a student of the 2017 Swift Current Workshop.
The workshops support and give voice to diverse perspectives from young writers throughout the province. Provided free-of-charge to remove barriers to participation, Sage Hill works to ensure that all students can benefit from immersive creative writing education, regardless of their economic situations.
By bringing youth from various backgrounds together to focus on a subject of common interest, the workshops help bridge cultural barriers, connecting students with one another in an atmosphere that encourages them to grow and to contribute to the cultural vibrancy and health of their communities.
The success of the workshops depends on the support of generous donors, funders, and community partners.
Potential donors and sponsors are encouraged to contact Sage Hill at sage.hill@sasktel.net or 306-537-7243.
Countless thanks to the Community Initiatives Fund, Saskatchewan Arts Board, Canada Council for the Arts, SaskCulture, SaskLotteries, the City of Saskatoon, the City of Regina, the Saskatchewan Festival of Words, Senator Myles Venne School, Alex Robertson Public Library, Saskatoon Public Library, Regina Public Library, John M. Cuelenaere Public Library (Prince Albert), the Swift Current Chinook Regional Library, and Brick Books.