Amplifying Young Voices in UK Children’s Literature by Winsome Duncan, book confidence coach and bestselling author.

7 min read

Cultivating the lived experiences of young budding authors through the medium of creative expression will enhance their artistic writing skills, improve their career prospects, and nurture their wellbeing. 

Children are natural storytellers, bursting with imagination, vision, and creativity. In the realm of UK children’s literature, there is a growing need to celebrate this innate gift, that continues to amplify the invisible voices of young authors. Together we must work to expose their raw talent to the possibilities of independent publishing.

Igniting Creative Expression in Children

Children possess an inherent ability to see the world through a lens of wonder, play, exploration, and curiosity. To amplify their voices in literature, it is essential to teach them how to activate and ignite their passion for creative expression. The Literacy Trust reports a decrease in children’s enjoyment of writing in 2023. Only 34.6% of young people aged 8 to 18 years old said they enjoyed writing in their spare time. Although three in four children starting school said that they enjoyed writing, this dropped to one in four by the age of 16.

One powerful way to encourage and achieve this is through attending positive, interactive and engaging writing programs and workshops. These sessions can provide a platform for children to explore their imaginations, experiment with storytelling techniques, and express their thoughts in a supportive creative environment in person or online.

In addition to traditional writing exercises, incorporating multimedia elements such as audiobooks, illustrations and converting books into animation can further enhance and expand a creative outlook. This multidisciplinary approach not only enriches the writing process, it allows young people to discover, tap into, and develop their unique voices in the competitive world of literature.

Using Creativity as a Catalyst for Wellbeing

The first lockdown in the spring of 2020 was a time of uncertainty for adults and children worldwide. We saw the mental health decline of young people who were separated from their friendship circles, experiencing anxiety, and facing the isolation of staying home and learning school-based curriculum work. Some children are still dealing with the after-effects of post-traumatic stress during the lockdown, and improving their wellbeing through creative writing is a key aspect of transforming their inner narratives and utilising newly formed editorial skills.

Creativity and innovation is a powerful catalyst for happiness. When children engage in creative activities and learn to write stories of lived experience, they tap into therapeutic and emotionally fulfilling forms of art. Writing allows them to explore their untold stories, articulate their creative thoughts, and develop a sense of identity and belonging.

Mindful writing exercises encourage children to be present in the moment, creating a positive connection between their mental and emotional states. By recognising the link between creativity and wellbeing, educators and parents can create a supportive environment where young voices are not only heard, they are nurtured through all stages of storyboard development. An ideal way to do this is to encourage them to write and illustrate their own books. Uploading a book on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing is free, and watching YouTube tutorials together can give you great insights into a step-by-step approach to independent publishing. This is a great parent and child bonding activity, as well as a great achievement.

Developing Budding Authors         

Every great author starts as a budding writer, and it is crucial to provide the necessary support and guidance to nurture these talents. Author mentorship programs can play a pivotal role in this process. Connecting young writers with established creative writing organisations and senior authors creates a bridge between generations, offering invaluable insights, constructive feedback, and encouragement.

Schools, libraries, and community organisations can also contribute by organising literary competitions and providing platforms for the publication of works by young authors. You must never pay for competitions otherwise they become biased and it is seen as profit-making at the parent’s expense. Genuine services would never charge for competitions but may charge reasonably for single book units for under £10. These initiatives not only recognise their efforts, they instill a sense of accomplishment, expand their portfolio, and continue fueling the passion for storytelling.

Stories for Leadership

Amplifying young voices goes beyond the realm of literature; it extends to empowering children to become leaders through their legacy stories. Encouraging them to explore themes of leadership, empathy, personal impact, and social responsibility in their writing allows them to develop a sense of purpose and belonging.

Leaders write, so be sure to encourage your schools to incorporate leadership-focused writing projects that challenge children to envision the positive changes they want to see in their communities. By using their literary voices to advocate for meaningful causes, young authors become agents of change, contributing to a brighter and more compassionate future of thought expression.

The Art of Presenting Your Story to the World

Writing is not only about putting words on paper; it is about presenting those words to local audiences. Understanding the importance of stage presence is a crucial aspect of amplifying young voices and enhancing their public speaking voice. Presentation skills empower children to share their stories confidently, whilst increasing their self-esteem.

Help schools, youth provisions, and community organisations to host events and book festivals where young authors can showcase their works and test new writings. Providing opportunities for them to present their legacy stories to a worldwide platform not only builds confidence, it reinforces the idea that their stories are heard and their voices matter. Amplifying young voices in UK literature involves taking the lead on their narratives, widening their opportunities globally, whilst honing diversity in storytelling, and supporting initiatives that promote peer-to-peer support and youth engagement in literature. Here are seven ways to amplify young voices:

1) Writing Workshops

Research and build relationships with established writing programs and workshops specifically tailored for young writers. These programs can provide guidance, mentorship, and a platform for young voices to develop and refine young people’s writing skills.

2) Literary Competitions

Enter literary competitions for young writers, offering them a chance to showcase their raw talents and gain recognition. Ensure that these competitions are inclusive and considerate of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

3) Publication Opportunities

Look out for opportunities for independent publication of works by young writers. This can include online platforms, literary magazines, or collaborations with established publishers or charities willing to dedicate space for emerging talents. You can upload your child’s book for free at https://kdp.amazon.com/.

4) Author Mentorship Programs

Sign up for mentorship programs that connect young writers with established authors. This intergenerational mentorship can provide guidance, constructive feedback, and insights into the publishing industry.

5) School and Community Outreach

Collaborate with schools, libraries, and community organisations to bring literature programs to disadvantaged and hard-to-reach young people. This can involve author visits, book clubs, and literary events that inspire a love for reading and writing.

6) Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Actively promote diversity and inclusion in literature by supporting and showcasing voices from underrepresented communities. Encourage stories that reflect a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. This will help your budding author to see the world of words through a different lens and contribute to the increase of diverse main characters in children’s books.

7) Book Festivals and Literary Events

Support and participate in book festivals and literary events that prioritise showcasing young and emerging writers. These events can provide exposure, networking opportunities, and a platform for young authors to connect with readers and broaden their horizons at home and internationally.

Conclusion

Amplifying young voices in UK children’s literature is a multi-faceted journey that involves nurturing creativity, promoting wellbeing, and empowering children as authors and leaders within our local communities. By providing a supportive and inclusive writing zone that values their unique theme, we can inspire a generation of storytellers who will shape the literary landscape with their legacy stories and lived experiences.

As we embark on this journey, let us recognise the transformative power of young voices and the profound impact they can have on the world of UK literature and beyond. By implementing these easy steps, you can contribute to the amplification of young voices in UK literature, encouraging a vibrant and inclusive literary community within England.

Discover The Popcorn House, written by young authors, from the Look Like Me Book Challenge: www.looklikeme.co.uk

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