February 2021
SWINDON YOUNG WRITERS AND ARTISTS ON A QUEST FOR LITERARY SUCCESS
Swindon’s Young on Literary Success Quest
Young people from Swindon are part way through writing and illustrating their first book. It’s an interactive fantasy adventure, and they need your support to get it published.
Young aspiring writers and artists in Swindon have, throughout the pressures of lockdown and homeschooling, come together to write an illustrated, interactive fantasy novel.
Tomb Raider writer, Rhianna Pratchett has backed the project. But they need your help to get over the final hurdle.
Leading the project, A Moral Paradox, is community arts and education company, Digital Writes.
Thus far the Arts Council England have funded the project. But the young people’s enthusiasm has led them to create a work of epic proportions. And that will need an four months and £3,000 to complete.
Keith P. Phillips, one of the authors on Puffin’s Fighting Fantasy series, is tutoring on the Digital Writes project.
Said Keith: “We’ve been running workshops in storytelling, creative writing, and illustration over Zoom. And also sharing work through Discord. The students have produced some amazing work. As good as anything from the series. They so deserve to get published.”
Youthful ambition – Swindon’s Young on Literary Success Quest
Some of the young people have ambitions to become writers or artists and feel thrilled to be working with professionals. They’re also very excited at the prospect of seeing their work in print.
Lauren, a participant on the project, said: “We already write and draw things, but nothing comes out of it. It would be cool to see our book in the library and see other people enjoying what we’ve made. Without this we wouldn’t have had a chance to be part of producing a full sized book.”
The extra funding will allow Digital Writes to continue offering workshops. They’ll also be able to invite more young people to take part in creative collaboration.
To pledge your support for this project, please go to:
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/a-moral-paradox
They’ll then collate the work into a final product of a gamebook. First popular in the 1980s and 1990s, these have had something of a resurgence lately, with titles by Charlie Higson and Rhianna Pratchett.
Swindon visual artist, Keira Georgeson, is also tutoring on the project. Said Keira: “Our young writers and artists are proper authors writing a proper book. We want them to feel the excitement of going into a public library and seeing their book on the shelf. But we’re eager to invite everyone to join. All you need is your imagination and a love of fantasy.”
Lydiard Park Academy
One of the teachers supporting the project is Ms Urquhart from Lydiard Park Academy. She said: “Our students have had a brilliant experience. They’ve grown in creative confidence and developed their social and communication skills. They’ve also gained a wealth of cutting-edge technical expertise. Please support this latest fantastic creation!”
The final work is set for publication in print format. It will be available to buy through Amazon and borrowed from secondary school and public libraries. As a text-based interactive game in app form, it will be available for download from all the usual video game app stores.
Author and Creative writing tutor Keith Phillips 
Jazzy with cover-painting 
Workshop_leader and visual artist Keira Georgeson 
Jazzy sketching book front cover
Get involved
To get involved and secure your place on this unique programme, type “immersive authorship” into your favourite search engine. Or look for Digital Writes on social media.
To pledge your support for this project, please go to:
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/a-moral-paradox
