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SASKATCHEWAN — Sage Hill Writing has opened applications to local writers ages 11 to 18 for the 2022 Teen & Young Writers’ Workshops. The workshops will be facilitated by experienced writers and featured guest authors throughout the province this summer, through online delivery.

Sage Hill continues a 33-year mission to support the development of the next generation of Saskatchewan writers with this yearly program. This summer, the creative young writers of the province can access these free-of-charge writing workshops where they can develop their skills with professional writers. The online workshops are open to applicants from any location.

The Teen & Young Writers’ Workshops are designed to encourage the growth and development of students who want to connect with the local and online writing community and learn about writing as a craft and a profession. The successful applicants will be guided through writing activities in various genres, and they will have the opportunity to discuss with instructors the writing life, professional pathways, and publication. Interested young writers can apply online at .

Sage Hill Writing is a nonprofit organization with a long history of fostering Saskatchewan’s writing community. Students of the youth programs consistently give positive feedback about the connections they build and the impact of the workshop on their writing. 

“[The instructor] always made sure that we could express our ideas in a way that makes us comfortable, while teaching us how to effectively push our boundaries,” said a student in the 2021 La Ronge Workshop. “This class is a growth miracle.”

The workshops support the diverse voices and perspectives of young writers throughout the province. By removing financial barriers to participation, Sage Hill works to ensure all students can benefit from immersive creative writing education, regardless of their economic situation.

“I am so scared to share my writing with people, but I felt so welcomed and comfortable in the group,” said a student in the 2021 Moose Jaw Workshop. “That is rare for me, especially in a complete group of strangers. I felt more comfortable sharing things about myself and my past in my writing, and just all in general felt pretty good about myself.”

By bringing youth from various backgrounds together to focus on a subject of common interest, the workshops help bridge cultural barriers, connecting students with one another in an atmosphere that encourages them to grow and to contribute to the cultural vibrancy and health of their community.

“I felt like I could be myself and do my own thing and nobody would insult or criticize me,” said a student in the 2021 Swift Current Workshop. “I took a lot of creative risks to see what would happen, because I felt comfortable doing so.”

Online Young Writers’ Workshops for ages 11 to 16 are being offered from Prince Albert and Swift Current.

The Prince Albert session runs July 25 to 29. Beth Gobeil is the instructor and a guest author has not yet been scheduled. In Swift Current the sessions are July 18 to 22 with Madonna Hamel as instructor. Guest author is James R. Page.

Online Teen Writers’ Workshops for ages 14 to 18 begin July 11 to 15 from Moose Jaw with Kristine Scarrow as instructor. Guest author is Brian Francis.

Janelle Pewapsconias will lead a session Aug. 8 to 12 from La Ronge, with Mika Lafond as guest author.

From Regina, July 11 to 15, sessions will be led by Tara Gereaux with Sara Ens as guest author.

All online sessions are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

An in-person workshop for the older age group is being offered in Saskatoon at the Rusty MacDonald Branch Library Aug. 8 to 12 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Instructor is Cooper Skjeie and a guest author has not yet been scheduled.