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Keele: the write choice for authors
Keele University has a rich history of authors - whether they have studied here or
simply been inspired by the stunning campus.
Did you know that Keele offers local Year 10
students the opportunity to write and publish
their own novels?
The week-long White Water Writers camps
bring groups of students together to
collaboratively write and publish their own
full-length novel in just one week, thanks to
support from Higher Horizons+.
The programme helps develop writing and
communication skills, teamwork and attention
to detail, whilst raising attainment and
achievement as well as aspirations and self-
esteem.
Dr Yvonne Skipper, a lecturer in psychology
at Keele University who runs the White
Water Writers programme, explained: “The
programme is based on psychological theories
and research. It aims to raise students’
aspirations at the same time as raising their
skills in order to help them achieve their
ambitions.
Rebecca Barber, Higher Horizons+ Keele
Hub Manager, commented: “The White Water
Writers project is a fantastic opportunity for
learners as they are able to use skills which
will assist them in their future endeavours,
such as teamwork, negotiation, leadership and
planning.
“Through speaking to learners during the
event, the one sentiment which will be taken
from the camps is that if they are able to write
a book within a week then throughout their
lives, anything is possible.”
“The project is facilitated by university student
volunteers who guide the writers through
each stage of the process, from planning and
story development, through to writing and
proofreading. However, a key element of the
project is that no adult touches a key or offers
ideas about plot, etc. The book is truly the
work of the writers. We are very impressed
with the amount of effort the writers have put
into the project as well as the quality of the
finished novels.” “We are extremely proud of the learners who
took part in the camps, as to write a book
within a week and become a published author
is an amazing achievement.”
As part of the event, students give short
readings from each book to a packed audience
of family and friends, all eager to get their
hands on a first-edition copy before they
become available for sale on Amazon. As well as our Creative Writing courses and
Society, we know that amongst our alumni
community we have many enthusiastic
amateur and published authors. A small
selection of our alumni authors and their works
are shown opposite to inspire you:
The White Water Writers programme was
developed by academics at Royal Holloway,
University of London and Keele University,
and is fully supported by academic research
and grounded in proven educational and
psychological theory.