A group of young writers is sharing insight into their processes and inspirations with listeners to OAR FM programme and podcast “Minor Gossip”.
The Dunedin Youth Writers’ Association is a student-led group that is open to discussion and sharing works, and which aims to create a community that welcomes and expands the thinking of passionate writers from Dunedin high schools.
The group meets every second Wednesday on the fourth floor of Dunedin City Library. Sessions vary from student-led group discussions to silent writing sessions and presentations from guest speakers.
Hosting duties for the radio show are shared between group coordinators Shima Jack (18), Darcy Monteath (18) and Hugo Todd (16).
Ms Jack placed second in the 2022 Charles Brasch Essay competition and, along with Ms Monteath, was recently selected to participate in the 2022 NZSA Youth Mentorship Programme, which aims to nurture, encourage, inspire and develop emerging writers with the support of established authors.
The writers group also publishes monthly magazine “Minor Gospel”, with the assistance of Dunedin Public Libraries. Last month’s first edition featured an anthology of works from group members.
“Minor Gossip” is broadcast every Monday at 4.30pm on OAR 105.4FM and 1575AM. Podcasts are available from oar.org.nz, Google podcasts and Apple podcasts.