Youth Writer-in-Residence

The youth writers-in-residence are one of the highlights of our residency programming. These residencies provide teens with opportunities to focus on the development of their own writing and to expand their leadership and core competency skills. The youth writers-in-residence are responsible for facilitating youth outreach, integrating youth throughout Hugo House programs, mentoring peers, leading our youth advisory board and MCing Stage Fright, our monthly open-mic event for teens.

This residency is open to high-school students in grades 10-12 with a passion for writing and a talent for mentoring their peers. The residency runs from September through August. For more information about the youth writer-in-residence program, email Margot Case, youth programs manager, at margotcase@hugohouse.org.

2009-10 Hugo House Youth Writers-in-Residence

Ema Mclean-Riggs is an autobiographical poet and short fiction writer. She has spent four years in Scribes, served three years on the Hugo House youth advisory board and volunteered with Classes for Kids for two years. Ema worked in Rwanda for three months during her junior year, tutors at Rainer Vista Boys and Girls Club and has a fascination with all things related to cephalopods. Her favorite short story is J.D. Salinger's "Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters." As youth writer-in-residence, Ema intends to push her writing further and to build community among young writers in Seattle.

  

Hannah Wood is a senior in high school. The first piece she ever wrote was a short story: "There once was a dragon. He went to the castle." The story included an accompanying abstract interpretation in non-toxic markers. Since preschool, Hannah's writing has expanded to include poetry, playwriting and somewhat longer fiction. Her favorite poet is Richard Brautigan, though William Carlos Williams and Frank O'Hara are giving him a run for his money. Hannah is excited about the youth writer-in-residence position and is hopeful that she can make Hugo House even more of a haven for young writers than it already is.

The youth writers-in-residence are available to meet free of charge (by appointment only) with youth seeking advice on their writing. To make an appointment with Ema, email her at emclean-riggs@hugohouse.org. To make an appointment with Hannah, email her at hwood@hugohouse.org.