American Corner Banja Luka Writing Project

WHAT IS THE WRITING PROJECT?

The American Corner Banja Luka is organizing a writing project in which participants will write proleptic autobiographies. Rather than writing an autobiography about their lives, participants will write about their future as if it has already occurred.

What are your goals and aspirations? Where do you want to be 10, 20 or 30 years from now? What will your community look like, and how will you contribute? The writing project requires participants to consider their future and produce a piece of writing that describes their future.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

Students in Bosnia ages 12 to 22 can participate. This project is open to students even if they cannot visit the American Corner in Banja Luka because they can correspond with Nick via email and/or Skype.

WHY SHOULD I PARTICIPATE?

Participation in the project benefits students for a number of reasons! Students will receive writing support from Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Nick Ironside. Nick teaches high school English and previously worked in journalism. He will correspond with students either at the American Corner or via email and help them revise their writing. Students will refine their writing skills in English, which will also help improve their writing skills in their native language.

The project asks students to consider their futures and develop goals. Many college admissions offices, exchange programs, and employers in the U.S. ask applicants about their plans or goals. This project allows students to practice/develop their response(s). Finally, there is no strict time commitment or deadlines. Participation in the project is voluntary.

Students can choose to have their piece of writing posted to a blog that will showcase participants’ work.

WHAT EXACTLY WILL I WRITE?

You will choose how to describe your future. Some ideas might include a letter from your future self; a short story/creative writing; a personal essay; or poetry. If you’re not sure, let Nick know. He can help you develop ideas.

HOW WILL IT WORK?

Step 1: Contact Nick and let him know you want to participate;
Step 2: Think about your future. What are your goals? What do you want to do in life? What steps will you take to achieve your goals? (It’s a good idea to take notes and, if you’d like, start writing.);
Step 3: Email Nick and let him know your ideas/if you have questions;
Step 4: Start writing a draft! Don’t worry about grammar, spelling and punctuation. Put your ideas on paper!;
Step 5: Email Nick your draft. Let him know if you have specific questions or thoughts. Step 6: Revise your draft with Nick.

*Let Nick know if you would like to discuss your writing at the American Corner in Banja Luka or if you would like to set up a 20-/30-minute Skype session to discuss your writing.

**Contact Nick at any point with questions or if you get stuck!

WHO CAN ANSWER MY QUESTIONS?

Contact Nick Ironside via email: nickaironside@gmail.com