Young and Talented Writer, Sophie, has shared some of her experience with us in this guest blog. 

My childhood aspiration of becoming a writer has always carried a sense of apprehension, a nagging fear that sounds a lot like: can I really build a career in telling stories? As many writers will know, when you confess to someone that you want to become an author, the response you receive is usually an impressive mix of awe and concern. You will need a proper job alongside writing, many say. When you’re young, this strange idea exists that writing can only ever be a hobby. 

A great deal of faith is involved with pursuing a life in the arts. Being awarded the grant from Young and Talented last year was a pivotal moment in believing it would be possible for me, and then being invited to attend the North Cornwall Book Festival further established this goal. Coming from Scilly, I had never been to a book festival before; not only was it a rare chance for me to experience a part of Cornwall I had never seen, but it was also a chance to meet and spend time with established authors. I want to emphasise how invaluable it was to meet people who were already living my dream. 

As a visiting speaker for Young and Talented, I attended many of the events at the festival free of charge. I enjoyed listening to inspiring and gifted authors talk about their books and reading parts of their work, including my mentor, Wyl Menmuir. The best part was having breakfast and dinner with these writers in the farmhouse where we were all staying. It offered an extra opportunity to ask questions and discuss my own aspirations. It was the first time in my life that I felt like a ‘real’ writer. 

 Throughout the weekend, I lost track of how many wonderful people I got to know — authors, poets, lantern makers, artists, crafters, teachers, students, all in one place! My favourite event had to be the performance of LYR, a blend of the voices of Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, songwriter Richard Walters, and producer Patrick J Pearson, with The Port Isaac Chorale dazzling the audience behind them. I wasn’t a massive fan of poetry until that evening. It goes to show there is an entire ocean of writing careers out there to explore. I returned to Scilly feeling determined to write every story I have ever wanted to tell. 

About the fund 

We believe every talented young person deserves the opportunity to achieve their potential! 

The Young and Talented FundA sum of money made available for grant making, often with specific criteria/conditions. strives to help young individuals across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, who have demonstrated outstanding talent in a particular field – such as sport, the arts, and science – but are struggling to achieve their ambition or progress in their chosen career because of hardship or disability. 

Since it was first established in 2005, Young & Talented Cornwall -The Lord Lieutenant’s Fund has granted over £435,000 to young people between the ages of 14-23 living in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. 

The fund was launched in 2005 as The Lord Lieutenant’s Fund for Youth (LLFFY), by the then Lord Lieutenant Lady Mary Holborow and Vice Lord Lieutenant Michael Galsworthy, aiming to inspire and support exceptional ability in Cornwall’s young. 

The fund is now known as Young & Talented Cornwall and is headed by Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall Colonel Edward Bolitho KCVO OBE.  

If you are a community group looking for funding, please view our available grants. 

If you are looking to support the Cornwall Community Foundation with a donation, go to our online donation page.