From the Magic Pencil: Voices of Writing Through Writing Through

Executive Director Sue Guiney and Deputy Director Kristin Schuster introduce Writing Through. Kristin interviews one of Writing Through’s very first participants in Cambodia, a remarkable and ambitious student named Rattana. After fulfilling his dream to study in the US, Rattana returned to Cambodia where he is now pursuing a law degree. Rattana developed a deep love of poetry and a passion for social justice.

What is co-creation? This week, Sue is joined by Writing Through’s former Assistant Director, Jess Blackledge, who discusses her move back to the UK during the pandemic, her unexpected culture shock, and the unique challenges posed by the co-creative process. Jess also speaks about her experience as the Creative Producer of a new pilot program at the Theatre Royal Plymouth and the role that co-creation has played in her work there. 

What factors impact creative writing? In part two of our interview with Jess Blackledge, Writing Through’s former Assistant Director, Sue and Jess discuss the ways in which culture and age inform creative processes. Jess tells us about the differences she has observed facilitating in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Singapore. She also shares her experience working with both kids and adults and how people’s fixation on originality can get them stuck in their heads.

In this episode, Deputy Director Kristin Schuster speaks to Cheatra, a brilliant student from the prodigious Liger Leadership Academy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He discusses his school, how he incorporates the Writing Through Workshop rules into his life, being creative during the pandemic, and his journal rituals, among other things. We cover so much in this episode! Cheatra’s energy and enthusiasm are infectious, and they can’t help but put a smile on your face.

Executive Director Sue is joined by Martha Scarborough, one of Writing Through's very first volunteers! Together, they discuss Writing Through's origins, Martha's lived experiences across the globe, and how the organization has been shaped by an increasingly globalized, interconnected set of perspectives.

Sue continues her conversation with Martha, a long-term Writing Through volunteer. They explore the impact of the pandemic, its subsequent challenges, and what it means to come home after an extended period of living abroad. She also shares a beautiful poem written by a Filipina English teacher.

Learn more about HOME: https://www.home.org.sg