What If YOU Spoke?

A new programme of writing masterclasses and competitions aimed at Devon residents aged 15-25 were released in October 2021.

What if YOU Spoke is led by Libraries Unlimited in partnership with Pen to Print, University of Exeter, Africa Writes & Literature Works as part of Exeter UNESCO City of Literature. 

Empowering the next generation of writers to share their voices and get writing, Libraries Unlimited released a series of competitions and classes led by some of today’s most inspirational voices.  

Pre-recorded writing classes culminated in a competition with the opportunity to win an iPad, attend a second live masterclass with each course leader and become part of a new cohort of writers, receiving regular tuition and opportunities. The best submissions were also published in Pen to Print’s magazine ‘Write On!’, with approximately 20,000 free copies distributed across Barking & Dagenham and Devon Libraries.    

The 10 pre-recorded masterclasses are still available to view online - whether you're interested in starting your own novel or illustrating your own comic, finding out more about journalism or about different forms of poetry, or you just want to try something new, you can get expert advice from literary prize winners, award-winning illustrators, and some of today’s most inspirational voices. For free!