Prizes for young writers event returns

A FREE initiative which has helped young writers win prestigious awards is back in Rotherham.

Hive was founded by writer Vicky Morris after a life-changing event and it has been a success story ever since.

She said: “It’s a labour of love project.”

“I set up Hive after an illness years ago and when I came out of treatment I wanted to do something good.”

Vicky said she was looking for people aged between 14 and 19 to join the free sessions she’s holding every other week at Riverside Library.

She said the group was open to anyone regardless of their skills or experience and described it as “an encouraging environment”.

Vicky said: “This is for people aged 14 to 19 whatever their interest or experience level is — even if they don’t think they’re very good writers.

“We offer all sorts of writing.

“We have writers’ day, an open mic competition and we publish books.

“It is a really nice network to be part of.

“We’ve had young people win things like BBC Young Writers Award.

“It is really good for young people whatever their interest, as a hobby or a career, to come and join us.

“We’re excited that we’re back.

“It really is a group for everybody — you can be dyslexic, it doesn’t matter.”

When asked why writing was so important, Vicky said: “It is brilliant for so many things.

“Whatever their career path or life path, it enables people to express themselves through words.

“There are so many benefits — developing an opinion, self-reflection, just pure enjoyment.”

The sessions are being run at the library every fortnight between 5pm and 7pm on Mondays.

Visit Hive South Yorkshire’s Facebook page email [email protected] for more information.