Hastings Young Writers explore lockdown in new anthology

A group of young writers have collaborated with young people in and around Hastings to produce an anthology of stories, poems and lockdown diaries.
Hastings Young WritersHastings Young Writers
Hastings Young Writers

Hastings Young Writers has been running since 2018; this is their second anthology.

Esme Needham, from the group, explains: “Many young people chose to write about their experiences during lockdown, while others contributed fiction – from historical romances to science fiction and fantasy. The profits from the sales of the anthology will go to Charity for Kids, a charity which cares for sick or disabled children in Hastings and Rother. Some of the contributors have been helped by the charity themselves.”

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Contributor Grace Looker, aged 13, said: “I am really grateful for what Charity for Kids has done for me in the past.”

The anthology, titled Full Stop, showcases the diverse and creative perspectives of young locals from three to 17 years of age, many of whom have never had the opportunity to see their work published.

Emily Simmonds, aged seven, who wrote about the Cornish pixies who shrunk her bike during lockdown, said: “I'm really glad that the money from the book sales is going towards a charity because I love helping people. It was fun to write for the book – especially as I could use my imagination!”

The Hastings Young Writers meet weekly to write and share ideas, as well as hosting guest speakers who run workshops on skills such as rap, poetry and fight scenes. Their first anthology, Salt In The Wound, was published last year.

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Full Stop is being sold in several bookshops and outlets in Hastings. For details of where to buy a copy, visit the Facebook page Hastings Young Writers –

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