Managing Director, Jacqui Newham (Wilkins) gives an insight into her Creative Writing journey…
A 1970s education and a series of uninspiring English teachers affected my early years. As a result, for a large part of my school ‘career’, I decided I was an English ‘write-off’.
Two things happened to change my lack of belief in myself. 1) A new concept in education ‘Comprehensive’ meant that the predetermined outcome of no route to University was removed! 2) My headmaster, an inspirational character, offered a small group of us extra English support lessons.
These lessons didn’t just improve my English skills, but most importantly taught me to believe in myself and boosted my confidence. The most important ingredient for any writer.
Some of us are lucky. But many of us hold pre-conceived beliefs that prevent our personal development. The following are my top three myths that should be dispelled about our ability to improve our English:
Writers are born
You’d be surprised how often I’ve heard young people say that they believe writers are ‘born’. Like it’s some kind of ‘God-Given’ gift. Here’s the revelation – writers aren’t born – anyone can write! As with anything, passion, and a love of what we do makes a huge difference. All you have to do is learn the basics and then work hard to become better at your craft.
Blank paper syndrome
Everyone suffers from writer’s block at some point. Many famous authors are well documented in their personal challenges. However, don’t let this stop you, as there are many coping mechanisms. The best solution for me is to write SOMETHING… anything. Brainstorming and free-writing can help you free your mind, choose a topic or make a start towards your chosen direction.
Writing is hard
Writing is certainly time-consuming, but this can be confused with ‘hard to master’. However, in time the techniques, understanding of grammar and punctuation, if used enough will become natural. Like anything, it just takes time and practice.
I’ve been lucky enough to work on some amazing projects during my career and it gives me great pleasure to present:
The Open University – Learning Around You – Case Study
Projects like this really touch our hearts and minds so naturally, we were proud to support the Learning Around You project.
VI partnered with The Open University to devise a campaign for adults who want to improve their English and maths and gain a recognised qualification.
Research shows that without these skills and qualifications, people struggle to apply for most jobs or pursue further study, and they miss out on personal development and career progression.
This new government-funded and government-backed education programme targets every adult in the UK and delivers essential reading, writing, and maths skills. VI worked with The Open University and their partners West Herts College, Bedford College Group and Middlesbrough College.
VI delivered the campaign name, brand, photography and a range of collateral personalised for each partner to deliver a promotional toolkit to work both on and off-line.
“It’s the client briefs where you have a strong affinity or personal understanding that always offer the most. We publish this case study today on 10th April, National Encourage a Young Writer Day – because I believe it’s never too late to improve English skills or too early to encourage them.”
National #EncourageAYoungWriterDay
Do you know a young person who has a vivid imagination, maybe someone who likes to tell stories and always has their head in a good book? These may be the early signs of a great young writer. National Encourage a Young Writer Day is the perfect time to talk to them about their ideas and ambitions and encourage them to pursue or develop their writing skills.
