Exeter District Honored by Youth Writing Project

A collection of stories, drawing inspiration from a specific area in Devon, has been released. The Fore Street Stories pamphlet was created by 12 emerging authors, all under the age of 30, who composed a series of poems and stories to highlight Fore Street in Exeter. This initiative stemmed from a creative writing challenge organized by the bookshop Bookbag, located in McCoy’s Arcade, with backing from the Creative Arc Programme. “Braids of Home,” penned by Sirisha Damarla, focuses on a hair salon situated on Fore Street. Ms. Damarla expressed her inspiration for the shop, describing it as a place where her “dark curly hair can call home.” She stated: “Since I moved to the UK I haven’t been able to find a place that can take care of my hair the way that I was raised to care for it.” She added, “When they opened up, it was this complete shock.” Writer Tabitha Blurton noted that the vegan cafe Sacred Grounds served as the muse for her poetic contribution to the booklet. “I’ve made it a sensory experience I would say, it’s kind of a lot about what you hear and what you see and kind of what you’re around in the atmosphere when you’re there,” she explained. Additional literary works feature a play set in Crankhouse Coffee, addressing themes of climate activism and community, alongside poems that explore the relationship between tea and the concept of home, inspired by the tea shop House Of Hope And Mercy In The Jungle. Charlie Richards, who produced the creative writing challenge, noted the publication had garnered significant positive feedback. She commented: “It’s the first time we’re run a writing project and published something. “What was clear was the love that people have for the area and that came through in their writing.” The project was active between June and November, operating on an approximate budget of £7,000. This budget encompassed a summer mentorship program, a 48-hour challenge weekend, and the printing of the pamphlets. Coach Davina Quinlivan commented on the pervasive inspiration available in the area. She remarked: “From Fore Street you can see the top of Holden Belvedere, which is the highest point in Exeter, we’re not far from the River Exe as well so we have this lovely combination of town, of city, of place.” BBC Devon can be followed on X, Facebook, and Instagram. Story ideas may be submitted to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external sites. Details on our approach to external linking are available.