Why your child should write.

It’s no secret that I am the judge for the Burlington Public Library’s writing contest for 13 to 17 year-olds this 2026.. The entries I’ve received have made my heart soar. The genres/tones run the gamut from fantasy and horror to humour and grief. Our future looks good with kids who can imagine, empathize with and solve problems in story like this.

It’s also no secret how I choose a winner.I tell writers this all the time.  Make me feel something. This is true of music, photography, sculpture, painting, for all the arts.Although I usually only judge one.( I have judged speech and sandcastle competitions. ) I don’t have to cry. I just have to recognize an experience as honest to the human (or alien, or dragon) experience. But in order to make me feel something, the writer has to feel it themself. (OMG pronouns, am I right?)

 

 

 

So why should your child write fiction in particular?

On paper or screen, they need to present their characters with a problem and either think of a way to solve it or allow the character to adjust to the problem. These are critical thinking skills they’re learning here.

Writing acts as therapy. You write about something you’re passionate about and get all your feelings outside of your head. No more mental loops, hopefully.  Like clearing the hard drive on your computer.  Now you have a nice clear brain.

You learn something, safely too,  by putting your characters through an experience, without all the hardships and dangers the character encounters.

Then there’s just the practise of putting words together in a way that’s relatable to others using some good grammar convention, correct spelling etc. You know, the school things. They will improve through writing story too.

Now, why enter a writing contest? Because creatives watch athletes win red ribbons, brass trophies and gold rings all the time. Also creatives maybe need the impetus to allow others to see their work, to submit and yes to compete..

 

Thank you to the Burlington Public Library for encouraging writers at every level.