An Inside Introduction to the Young Writers Program

In addition to the main event every November, NaNoWriMo provides free creative writing resources to educators and young participants around the world through our Young Writers Program. This month, we’ve asked some of our young writers to share their experiences. Today, YWP participant Haider Asad share an inside introduction to the YWP site:

Pirate dragons who can type. A rocket blasting off into the sky. A cowgirl with a fencing sword. Isn’t this a world you would live in? This world is known as the Young Writer’s Program, but we citizens call it YWP. We humbly invite you to join us. You don’t have to leave the comfort of your home, but we do ask one thing of you: You must write the stories that are being created in your head. 

YWP is the world for non-adults to live in. We write our stories so that we can enjoy our stories and so can others. We can strengthen our writing and reading abilities. We can create problems, solutions, worlds, societies, even an entire universe. Who doesn’t want to make their own version of Star Wars or Harry Potter?

If you’re an educator wanting your students and yourself to become citizens, you can do it! Our leaders here have provided Common Core aligned lesson plans, student workbooks, and even a free classroom kit! You can create a classroom with an access code for your students, read their work, and see them bloom like flowers inspired by creativity and motivated to succeed! What’s better than that?

Are you an adult who wants to encourage their child’s writing abilities? This is perfect for you! Your child will improve their writing, find value in their stories and realize their creative potential. I can tell you first-hand that the YWP increases self-esteem! You can ask your child what they are writing about and what they plan to write about next. You can even sign up on the adult site and write alongside them. Amazing memories are made when families do things together!

YWP site’s writing space and word count tools are live during the regular NaNoWriMo and Camp NaNoWriMo months (April, July, and November). You get to write your own story! You can set your own word count, make a novel plan, get badges for certain achievements, get certificates for finishing, learn how to edit your story like a boss–and, most importantly, write out the perfect story you’ve always dreamed of!

Now, that we have introduced you to YWP, won’t you accept our invitation to be a citizen? All you have to do is click on the Sign Up button on the top right (or “write”… puns are highly encouraged here on the YWP) side of the site at ywp.nanowrimo.org!

Haider Asad is a member of the Young Writers Program from Illinois. Haider loves writing as a way to escape, build a whole new worlds, and create amazing characters–to live the story out before it even steps onto the paper.