OVER 130 children from all over Ireland have become published authors, after taking part in a special writing project for primary pupils.
The boys and girls, many of whom were motivated to write by the current global pandemic and its effect on their home lives, wrote stories and poems for publisher Emu Ink’s Let’s Get Writing! initiative.
The work has now been published in an online anthology called Home Stories and is free to view and share.
Emu Ink Founder & CEO, Emer Cleary said, “The idea behind the project was to get children writing during the pandemic, expressing their feelings around it and channelling their anxieties or simply to offer them an avenue to escape all of that and write something completely unrelated.
“Writing is one of the greatest forms of expression. The result in this case is a beautiful anthology of work by children who are quite literally writing our country’s history, from their own viewpoints, by encapsulating what is happening right now.
“We had a huge response to the initiative and have been bowled-over by the standard of work. Our newly-published authors have done themselves, their families and their schools very proud.”
The lucky writers will each receive a €10 Leisureplex voucher and a second voucher for Starbucks, which will entitle them to a free hot chocolate and coffee for their accompanying parent or guardian, both to be enjoyed when restrictions are lifted.
Last year Emu Ink, which is home to their Schools’ Publishing Programme (see emucourses.ie), officially partnered with coffee giant Starbucks as well as Leisureplex. The companies now work with the publisher to provide special bookmarks, treats and vouchers to all children taking part in their course and between them they plan various events including open mic experiences for young writers and exhibitions.
Ms Cleary added, “We are very lucky to have partners that share our enthusiasm for encouraging creativity in young people and support that in every way they can.
“They are tremendous and we are delighted to be able to offer the children something to look forward to when this difficult time comes to an end.”
To view the Home Stories book click on the cover below:
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