The Michael King Writers’ Centre has launched the second issue of Signals, its literary journal for young writers

Signals 2013

The magazine showcases the work of writers who took part in the Michael King Young Writers Programme in 2013. It is edited by Rosalind Ali and Johanna Emeney, specialist teachers of creative writing who run the programme. More than 150 senior students from secondary schools all over the Auckland region, from Dargaville to Pukekohe, took part last year. They had the option to be in one of three one-day workshops and four master classes, each of which featured leading New Zealand writers as well as Ros and Jo. Thirteen leading writers were involved, including Don McGlashan, Albert Wendt, Paula Morris and Charlotte Grimshaw.

More than 40 students submitted work for Signals, which includes prose and poetry by 16 writers. Designed by author and graphic artist Sarah Laing, the art work for the back cover was created by Megan Woodhead from Pinehurst School.

The magazine was launched at the National Library in Stanley Street, Auckland. Students read from their work and presentations were made to several prize winners. Bayley Johansson from Wesley College won the Cape Catley Poetry Prize, while Sophie Gardiner (St Cuthbert’s College), Courtney Bassett (Rangitoto College), Maria Ji (now at The University of Auckland) and Sophie Van Waardenberg (St Cuthbert’s) were highly commended. Amelia Kendall from St Cuthbert’s won the Auckland University Press Prize for Prose.  

The Michael King Young Writers’ Programme will be offered again this year and students who take part will have the opportunity to submit work for Signals 2014.  Nominations for the programme will open in February. Each school may nominate one student and one or two reserve students. Nominations are made by the Head of English in each school.

The programme, funded by Creative New Zealand, is designed for students, mostly Year 11 to 13, who show promise in creative writing, and who would benefit from the chance to explore the creative process, experiment with a range of subjects, stimuli and writing styles, as well as learning about editing and publishing.

Copies of Signals will be distributed to Auckland secondary schools and Auckland libraries. The journal is also available through selected book shops and through the Michael King Writers’ Centre for $10 a copy.  

Michael King Writers’ Centre PO Box 32-629, Devonport, Auckland 0744 Ph: 09 445 8451 E: manager@writerscentre.org.nz E: youngwriters@writerscentre.org.nz www.writerscentre.org.nz                                                   Footnote: I liked the dedication which reads: This second issue of Signals is dedicated to the memory of Dame Christine Cole Catley, the founding trustee of the Michael King Writers' Centre and the creator of this programme. To which I add - Bravo Chris, we miss you.