2 minute read
Bookstore and SCOLAR writers
Believe in the power of words never stop writing
Teams from 50 primary and secondary schools showed great teamwork and creative spirit this year at HKFYG’s School Young Writers Nurturing Programme 2021-2022.
Writing is the perfect partner for reading and with support from SCOLAR, (the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research) and the Language Fund, a twoday online training camp for writing took place in early April.
Although the programme was affected by a spike in Hong Kong’s covid-19 cases and the closure of school campuses, the team geared up in response and held a successful online event instead with links to help students make the most of the advance “summer vacation”.
Camp from Home 2 to 3 April 2
• writers’ sharing sessions • creative ideas exchange • good books guided reading
Writing and creating tips Illustrator, Isabelle Ngai, gave students a very practical hint.
“Make good use of your phone’s memo and recording functions. Creative material is all around you and the phone can help you keep a safe record of anything that happens in daily life”
Winning students shared reflections
One of them confessed: "When I reread what I have written, I often feel embarrassed." Isabelle gave reassurance:
“I believe that creating means making a record of your life, thoughts and state of mind. These are also witnesses of growth and have meaning.”
Words of experience
The students also asked instructor Kevin Tong for suggestions. He admitted that the road to creation was sometimes a lonely one but one that’s always worth travelling.
“When I see a final published book, it makes it all worthwhile. It’s the kind of satisfaction nothing else can give.” As two famous authors say:
“Read, read, read. Read everything -- trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Read! You’ll absorb it. Then write. If it’s good, you’ll find out…” William Faulkner
“You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you.” ― Ray Bradbury
Coming up for writers in June and July: Campus Writers Selection Competition
The Federation organized the “Hong Kong Creative Writing Competition 2021-2022” (Primary/Secondary) with the first-round in May this year and the finals in June.
A professional jury is selecting the winning entry. It is being published by HKFYG and will be on display for sale at the Hong Kong Book Fair 2022, at our own online store and at all major bookstores.
