TYWI Young Writer Summer Program Applications are Open! Words from our Programs Director, Ruby Versele.
Finding community as a young writer: One Lonely Writer’s story
I remember the day I finished my first book like it was yesterday. I was a bleary-eyed twelve-year-old who had taped up a sign on her door that read “I’m finishing my book, do not disturb!” I remember writing those definitive words, THE END. And I remember being so excited to have someone finally read something I had worked so hard on.
That was my first book of what would become nine by the time I was nineteen, but over those years I slowly but steadily realized that not everyone in my everyday life would actually want to read my work. That feeling hit me like a ton of bricks, if people loved me wouldn’t they love the things I had created?
That was an awfully melancholic perspective, but it’s truly one I had for many years. From the ages of 12 to 16, writing was something I did in solitude. The worlds I created were solely mine, my words were something for me. But I desperately wanted someone to read them, someone to care about them, someone to witness the stories that meant so much to me.
Then, I discovered the TYWI Summer Camp. The 2021 Summer Camp was my first experience with TYWI. I remember getting on Gather and talking to other people, people who loved writing just like me. I remember being so excited to talk to someone about my books, about why I started writing, about things that I never had anyone to talk to about.
Then I saw that TYWI was looking for a podcast host, and little did I know that applying for that position would change my life.
From 2021 to 2022 TYWI had a podcast called Moving Write Along, if you ever listened to it you heard 16-year-old me try to give good writing advice (despite being fairly clueless) and also talk about the goofiest things in the world, like butt sweat and mafia boss romances. But what you might not have been able to know, just from listening, was that I had just found the best writer friends a girl could ask for.
The podsquad, as we called ourselves, were the writing community that I desperately needed. I don’t know if I’d still be a writer today without them, I don’t know how I would have gotten through high school without them.
I don’t know if you have this thriving writing community around you, if you do I’m thrilled for you, but I would guess plenty of you are just like me. Writing in isolation, in worlds that you explore alone, dreaming of the day you get to share them with someone else.
There’s this quote I read, the origin of it is unknown, but it says, “People write because no one listens.”
Maybe that’s why you write, maybe you do feel like no one listens. I know that’s how I felt for a very long time. Until I found people who listen, through TYWI.
Joining summer camp or summer workshop will give you the chance to find people who listen, find future critique partners and beta readers and friends. There is beauty in the solitude of writing, but there is also beauty in the community of young writers we have created through TYWI.
So, I implore you to consider joining our summer programs this year. Our team of exceptional leaders are striving to create the best summer program we can for you, and I’m so excited to watch it unfold.
Applications for participants open on May 1st and close on May 19th, we are offering two programs this year. A virtual summer camp for ages 13-17 and a virtual summer workshop for ages 18-25. Both will give you the opportunity to connect with fellow young writers and hone your own craft and skills.
It’s going to be an amazing summer, full of inspiring workshops, engaging prompts, constructive feedback, and a beautiful community. I hope I see you there!
Sincerely, someone who wants to listen,
Ruby Versele
Summer Programs Director
Applications for our summer programs are open, and close May 19th! Visit our website (tywi.org/summerprograms) for more information and application links. If you’re interested in leading summer camp, please apply soon, also found on our website! We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis, so apply soon!
We are looking for passionate, dedicated young writers. Talent, publication, and success are less important than a genuine desire to dedicate yourself to writing and building a writing community. Please express your interest and passion for growth and community in the application. TYWI is an accessibility focused organization that seeks to break barriers, so please apply, even if you’re totally new to writing!
Logistical Details:
Hosted on: Discord, fully virtual and open for any young writer across the world between 13-25.
Runs From: June 16th-July 25th
Cost: Pay-What-You-Can (with ample complete donation waivers)
Application Fee: None
