Emerging Writers Mentorship Program 2021 Wrap Up
The 2021 Emerging Writers Mentorship Program offered four outstanding emerging South Coast writers the opportunity to develop new works of fiction via a focused three-month program of development led by Hayley Scrivenor.
Below are the post-program reflections from the writers that were selected to be part of the 2021 Program. They have each written about their experiences and how their time with Hayley and each other benefited them in their writing.
The South Coast Writers Centre would like to congratulate them on the work they have done over the course of the program, and look forward to seeing their published works in the future.
Hayley Scrivenor’s reflection on the program: I was delighted to work with the South Coast Writers Centre to present the 2021 Emerging Writers Program. Over the course of ten one-on-one sessions and two group workshops we looked at both elements of craft and ways we can keep ourselves coming back to the page (a vital and ongoing process, particularly in the case of a novel, which is what all the mentees were working on). All four writers in the program brought something special and it was such a privilege to watch their works grow and develop. Huge thanks to the SCWC for their ongoing support of writers and to everyone who applied.
Suzanne Do: The Emerging Writers Program at South Coast Writers Centre has been a game changer for me. Last year I was at a loss as to how to progress my writing, and then my literary fairy godmother appeared in the form of (mentor) Hayley Scrivenor. Not only is Hayley a very talented writer, she also has the ability to create a safe, non-judgemental and inspirational space in which less experienced writers are able to flourish - the mark of a gifted teacher. The two workshops Hayley conducted during the EWP were excellent; sensitively tailored to the writers in our group. My weekly one-on-one sessions with Hayley were invaluable to the development of my novel. Weekly accountability, provided in a generous and always encouraging manner, was exactly what I needed. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in the Emerging Writers Program and to be mentored by the wonderful Hayley Scrivenor.
Sky Carrall: I am currently writing a coming-of-age novel manuscript, which I began writing in university. After graduating at the beginning of 2021, I write in my spare time between my work as a dance teacher. As I have been working with my manuscript for a couple of years already, the mentorship came at the perfect time for me to put my planning and ideas into greater action. I was struggling to progress in writing more of my manuscript without the structure of university deadlines, but the weekly sessions guided me to gain momentum through having conversations about writing and learning to work with the restrictions that life can impose on writing. Each week I was able to send as little or as much writing as I could achieve, and together we talked not only about the words on the page but also the ups and downs of writing as a practice. The group workshops were also a great opportunity to speak with like-minded people and gain valuable feedback from other writers. Hayley was incredibly helpful as a mentor, helping me grow my confidence in my writing abilities and encouraging me to aim for consistency and rhythm in my writing routine rather than aiming for perfection in my writing.
Emily Gray: This year, I had the enormous luck and privilege to be able to participate in the Emerging Writers Mentor Program run by Hayley Scrivenor and auspiced by the South Coast Writers Centre. I came to the mentorship with the scratchings of a novel, and have left with a much clearer direction of where the plot, characters, voice and structure are headed. In every single session I was challenged and stimulated by Hayley’s insightful questions, suggestions and ideas, as well as her expertise on voice and creative writing in general. Not only has the mentorship fundamentally changed the way I think about writing, it has given me practical tools for big picture planning and for my daily writing practice. It was an added bonus that Hayley is an incredible writer and such good company. It was also hugely heartening to learn about her journey from an emerging writer to published author. Thank you Hayley!
Sara Rich: Thank you, South Coast Writers Centre, for the opportunity to spend a dedicated time each week thinking and talking about writing with a mentor who could write a book on pep talks for writers. I went into the mentorship with big goals for my manuscript but was confronted with the realities of balancing work and family life during lockdown. In between conversations about craft, character and plot, Hayley helped me adjust my writing practice to fit the new, tighter parameters of my day. Generously drawing from her own experience writing Dirt Town, she showed me there were many ways to achieve progress and that incremental steps did eventually lead you to where you wanted to be. Her empathy, advice and enthusiasm for my project encouraged me to trust in the process and I feel I am a better writer for it. Thank you, Hayley.