Any Teenage Writers in Dublin?

[katied]

If anyone knows any teenage writers in Dublin, I'm teaching a creative writing course in the Irish Writers Centre aimed at writers aged 14 to 17.

This workshop caters for young writers who are beginning, and for those who are more experienced in writing fiction and poetry. Activities will focus on generating ideas, exploring the process of writing, looking at techniques, and structuring and developing your work. There will be lots of examples and exercises with opportunities for you to read out your work. The last week will be a showcase evening with friends and family invited to hear what you have created during the workshop.

Every Thursday for 6 weeks 6:30 to 8:30 starting February 7th.

The IWC is not too good at publicity so if you've any suggestions where and how to publicise, please let me know.

I wish there had been this type of course on offer when I was 14.

Thanks

[megan]

Hey, Katie,

I just noticed this thread now. How is the course going? I am teaching teenagers myself in Skerries and I really enjoy it. How many are in your classes? What do you do? I' d love to swap notes!

[katied]

Hi Megan

It never went ahead, too few takers. They're not sure why. Perhaps it was the setting - right in town, in the early evening. I'm annoyed. I was looking forward to it.

[megan]

Oh, hard luck Katie. It probably was the location, and perhaps lack of advertising? I find it easier to attract younger pupils 8 -12 yr olds, than teenagers.

[Mary]

As a mum of teenagers, i don't think that age group want to publicly admit they like something as 'boring' as writing. They have to be seen to be cool!
Perhaps as Megan says, you'd have a better take for a younger age group.
Hope this helps,
Mary

[katied]

It's hard to know. I've taught in secondary schools before and met a number of enthusiastic writers who came to a couple of one off weekend workshops but an evening commitment might be one uncool step too far. And it can be seen as work. I don't know. I would have loved it when I was a teenager. At least I think I would.