I AM a strong supporter of the School of the Arts (Sota). It is time we developed the creative faculties of the young. However, I do not see any focus on the literary arts.

I have been teaching and motivating children aged eight to 16 to write fiction under the Young Authors Scheme since 2003. Writing can be, at once, therapeutic and fulfilling. These young authors produce fiction pieces, some of which are very publishable. In fact, because of the lack of demand for books written by children for children, I have started my own publishing house, to publish their works.

I have seen my young authors write fiction that enthrals many their age, and even adults. One of my young authors, aged 13, has produced a 68,000-word sci-fi fantasy that is a gripping read. She may not produce another book like this because of the demands of the school curriculum. Writing is a creative hobby, and not encouraged as it does not add to examination marks.

British author C.S. Lewis started writing at the tender age of nine. Or take Christopher Paolini, author of Eragon. He wrote his book when only 15.

It is in their teenage years that these minds can be nurtured and it is at this age that Sota accepts young 'artists'. If art is defined as 'talent (nature) + craft (nurture)', isn't writing an art as well?

Yes, visual and performing arts should be promoted, but has Sota ever considered a focus on literary arts? We might nurture in our midst a Booker Prize winner.

Catherine Khoo (Ms)
Creator, Young Authors Scheme
Founder, Young Authors Club
Organiser, Young Author Award

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Apr16, 2008.