AWC 2nd Quarter 2017 Newsletter

Check out what A Writing Chance has been up to!!!

A Writing Chance, a NJ Non Profit Corporation, established 2016, is leading creative writing movement across the nation, which focuses on sharing the importance and benefits of writing with the nation’s Youth.

We introduce and cultivate the art of writing, while encouraging both children and adolescents to pursue, explore and remain passionate regarding writing as an integral part of their present and future.  We empower, encourage, and support each individual’s writing efforts, from writing as a hobby, all the way to becoming a published author.

 

Writer's Journey: 

Devin 'Pan' Barrett

(Pictured above)

 

In an effort to keep our readers, not just informed, but also motivated, AWC has decided to add a recurring section to our quarterly newsletter, entitled, "Writer's Journey".  Here, we will feature an interview with an established Writer, as they share the details of their own journey and provide insight into things like: when/how they fell in love with writing, how they have developed their craft over the years, their favorite genre, what they've worked on in the past, present, and dreams for the future; as well as any encouraging words they have to share with our Youth to focus them on their own Creative Writing journeys.

 

I'm so excited to share the below interview!!!!  DEVIN 'PAN' BARRETT is not only an AWESOME and EXTREMELY TALENTED Writer, but he is also, MY BROTHER, yes - BIOLOGICAL (same Mom & Dad ;-))

 

Q: Tell me a bit about yourself. 

Where are you from? 

What is your favorite childhood memory?

 

I was born and raised in Newark, NJ. I have plenty of fond memories from my childhood, but I'd have to say my favorite ones revolve around growing up in a full house of parents, grandparents, siblings, my Uncle John, and sometimes cousins and family friends. There was always something going on. Always an opportunity to listen, observe, and interact.

 

Q: Did that memory help to shape you into becoming a writer? If so, how?

 

Although I wasn't thinking about becoming a writer at the time, I believe my childhood played a part. My grandfather was a preacher and a great storyteller. The ability to use a narrative to illustrate some symbolic point is what every writer tries to possess. It probably also taught me how to listen and analyze what people say to me, which comes in handy when I'm interviewing subjects for an article.

 

Q: When did you begin to identify as a writer?

 

I was doing writing assignments as an intern with TRACE Magazine throughout 2006-2007, but I still didn't really think of myself as a writer. I was hired as staff writer later in '07 and I began to pitch my own stories, rather than just taking assignments. At that point I definitely began to feel like I was actually a "writer". After writing my first cover story towards the end of 2007 and getting overwhelmingly positive feedback from readers in different parts of the world, that really solidified it for me.

 

Q: What is your favorite genre to write?

 

I consider myself a journalist and through editorials I try to identify underrepresented scenes, cultures, and individuals, and present them to readers in some creative context. I've also started getting into writing short stories and plan on pursuing script & screenplay writing in the future.


 

 
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Writer's Journey... (cont'd)

Devin 'Pan' Barrett

 

Q: What made you pursue professional writing?

 

I've always been a magazine lover, for both the writing and the photography. I collected and read tons of magazines. I always thought maybe it was something I could do. After college, I figured I'd give it a shot and fortunately it worked out.

 

Q: What challenges have you faced as a writer?

 

Sometime around 2010-2011, traditional printed publications saw a large decline in business due to the arrival of digital platforms and blogs. A lot of magazines were forced to go out of print and budgets became a lot slimmer. It became tough for a lot of writers to get paid for their work at that time.

 

Q: How have you overcome those challenges?

 

It's still a challenge, but I think it's all about broadening your base of skills and learning new ways to contribute. At one point, a writer could make a living by just working with one publication. That's rare now. Over the last few years I've done freelance writing for several different outlets and I've gotten into things like writing biographies for artists/musicians and copywriting for brands, so that I'm not just stuck in one lane. Also there's a growing market for novelty and independently published magazines, so I'm taking steps toward self-publishing and creating my own platforms to share my own unique content.

 

Q: What advice do you have for young writers? 

 

In your pursuits, find your voice and try to discover what distinguishes you from everyone else. Stick to what you're passionate about. You may have to compromise a bit along the way, but never stray from what's true to you. If you stay on your path and keep integrity in your work, you'll be rewarded.

 

Interviewed by: Yolanda D. Harris

 Director of Strategic Partnerships & Planning

 

 

 
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CONGRATULATIONS to ELIZABETH FORBES

on being featured as AWC's 2Q17 Creative Writing Prompt Winner!!!!

 

Super Why and Super Lizzy

By: Elizabeth Forbes (Age 6)

 

 

“Hello” said the voice on the phone. “My name is Super Why! I now you never expected a call from me, as famous as I am, but I’ve been given your name as someone who can help me find my favorite book”. So I replied “you’ve called the right one! I am a great finder! When I lost the toy phone, I looked and looked until I found it under a coat in peanut’s room”. So super why and I walked all around his house until we found his book under a blue coat. After we found the book, Super Why read the book to himself and then I read the book to myself. When we were finished reading, he put the book on the bookshelf and said “Thank you Super Lizzy for finding my book!” then Super Why fell asleep, so I went home.

 

 

The End.

 

 
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Join Our Team & Spread the Word!!!

 

If you are interested in helping A Writing Chance grow our efforts, visit our website to learn more about what we offer! WE CAN DEFINITELY USE YOUR HELP! Feel free to reach out to us via the 'Contact Us' form.  

Also, if you have a reach with youth groups and organizations, school districts, and the like, let us know as we are still networking and building relationships in these arenas to find appropriate audiences, platforms, and venues for our workshops :-)

 

 
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35 Durand Pl, Irvington, NJ, United States
973-634-5025

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