Youth Mentor Programme for 2010

The New Zealand Society of Authors (NZSA) has run a highly successful mentoring programme for writers since 1999.

In 2010, for the first time, and sponsored by Creative NZ, the youth programme is open to nominated year 12 and year 13 students nationwide.

There are three places available and the successful students will be matched with a well-known, published Young Adult author.

Mentoring can take place either face-to-face, by telephone, fax, e-mail, Skype, or a combination of these. Each mentorship will be 10 hours long, and take place during Terms Two and Three.

The students will be able to discuss ideas and address areas of weakness in their work. The mentor also provides encouragement and practical advice and specific examples of how to improve the work. They share the benefit of their experience as published writers.

Most writers say they receive enormous benefit from having a senior writer affirm that they have the ability to write well. We are hoping that younger writers will be similarly inspired.

Ideally, the nominated students will have a project they would like to develop. This might include working on a short story collection; or collecting together a themed group of poems; or developing the first draft of a novel or play.

Applicants are expected to be motivated to develop their writing and have a keen attitude towards being mentored.

Students will be nominated by their English teacher or Head of Department. In the case of home-schooled students, they may be nominated by their guardian.

The application requires a sample of writing, and a letter from the nominator.

Applications are assessed by a panel of three experienced writers. Nominations close on 1st April, 2010, and schools will be notified of the results by 23rd April, 2010.

To request a nomination form please e-mail: programmes@nzauthors.org.nz