Calling All Teen Writers: Write across America This Summer!

by Katie Bonner //

Just because school is out for the summer, that doesn’t mean your creative journey needs to be put on pause. This August, embark on a writing tour of America with the #TeensWriteAcrossAmerica Marathon (TWAAM)! Hosted by teen writers for teen writers, this writing marathon will take you around the country as you meet with peers in a judgment-free virtual space to explore your creativity. Join us to cultivate a writer’s eye, ear, and mind while writing and sharing writing in a supportive community of writers.

The Writing Marathon will meet every Wednesday from August 4, 2021, to September 8, 2021, for 90-minute sessions (8:00–9:30 pm ET). This marathon is open to all teen writers. Whether you’re experienced or just starting out, we want to hear from you!

Each week, young writers will be inspired by a new virtual host location. A peer will lead the group in writing and sharing exercises. Writers celebrate each other at the end of each session by sharing their favorite lines. No criticism is offered, just a simple “Thank you for sharing.”

For our last session, we will invite young writers to bring one piece of writing from any of their marathon stops for feedback and revision! Our talented host writers will help you polish it up to enter the 2022 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

How to Participate

Sign up now via Zoom!

You will receive a Zoom link to join each event 48 hours before we meet.

Schedule

TWAAM was created by the National Writing Project in collaboration with the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the nonprofit organization that presents the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

Featured image: Saskia Lethin, Wait for the Guests to Arrive, Photography. Grade 11, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, Bronx, NY. Marianna Ellenberg, Educator. Silver Medal 2021