Happy National Writing day! As good a day as any to let you all know that I AM planning to run Megaphone again. It was so successful and we built such a warm and supportive group, that it seems right to build on that foundation. The current plan (open to your suggestions for change) is to run the Writer Development Scheme once again, offering places to six mentees, and, in addition, to run events around England that support BAME children’s writers at different stages of their writing life. The details are still being firmed up and the grant application is in progress, but I wanted to let you know that things are moving.
Here’s how you can get involved right now:
Last time, Megaphone was supported by some fantastic partners, without whom the programme would simply not have happened. This time, we are continuing to build on these partnerships and to make new ones. Are you a writer, publisher, agent or organisation who would like to be involved in the next phase of Megaphone? There are lots of ways in which this could happen, and I’d be glad to talk through ideas. Please get in touch to let me know of your interest. Email Leila at megaphone.write@gmail.com
Are you a children’s writer of colour who has strong feelings about what is really needed to create, support and sustain meaningful diversity in children’s literature? Are you reading this, shaking your head and thinking “Yes but….” or “What she ought to be doing is…” Please get in touch. Email Leila at megaphone.write@gmail.com . I would love to hear your thoughts. There is a Facebook group for consultation so please let me know if you would like to be added to that too. Or tweet me using the hashtag #MegaphoneWhatWeNeedIs . Or comment below!
Huge thanks to everyone who has supported the scheme so far – you have made the difference.
Leila Rasheed