Magical Writing Moments with Leanne Drain, BA (Hons) in Creative Writing

By Young Writers | Alumni Series

Alumni Series - Celebrating 35 Years Of Young Writers

Introducing our second Young Writers Alumni member, Leanne Drain, who remembers being published by Young Writers as a magical moment that sparked both excitement and confidence. Encouraged by her mum and inspired by seeing her work in print, she continued writing throughout her childhood - something that still stays with her today.

Young Writers: Can you remember how it felt seeing your work published by Young Writers for the first time and why do you think that moment stayed with you?

Leanne: When I first received news that I would see my work in print, the moment was magical. I remember waking up to receive a letter that stated my little story The Werewolf would be included in the Young Writers anthology. I can tell you that my heart began to beat fast through excitement and determination to keep writing. I started sending more of my work across and receiving letters of publication. I was loving it. This moment stayed with me because it was an important part of my childhood, I felt confident knowing that people like my work and it kept me continuing even to this day. I love writing, I always have, but I believe Young Writers was the first to give me that experience of confidence. 

Young Writers: Who encouraged you to enter a Young Writers competition & why?

Leanne: My mum, who has been my inspiration ever since my granddad died when I was 12 years old, has helped me so much through that difficult time.  My mum has always read to me from a young age and helped me progress with my writing. I believe her support and courage have given me strength. Mum first noticed that I could write when I was about eight years old, she saw something in my work and she encouraged me to enter a Young Writers competition at school because she felt I had something beautiful. Obviously, I was a bit unsure at first because I thought I couldn’t write well. But Mum helped me through that barrier. I am forever grateful that she continued to support my writing journey, even to this day, she has been my rock. 

Young Writers: When you look back now, why do you think opportunities like Young Writers matter?

Leanne: I believe that everyone deserves a chance to shine, whether they’re new to writing or have been writing since childhood. Having opportunities like Young Writers helps with developing skills that are used later in life, for example, it helps with spelling, grammar and creativity. It’s a beautiful way to form words, but to have something like Young Writers gives it a cherry on the cake. 

Young Writers: Is there a moment from your Young Writers experience that’s stayed with you through the years?

Leanne: Yes, absolutely! When I was first published, I got so excited and I wanted to keep submitting to Young Writers, so I did until I was 18 years old, then went on to Forward Poetry, which was for adults. I loved every minute of this journey. I used to wait by the window, hoping the postman would come to deliver me a Young Writers letter.

Young Writers: Did being published change how seriously you took writing (or creativity in general)?

Leanne: It helped me discover that I had a creative talent and I wanted to pursue this even further. I took this with me through adulthood and got a degree in Creative and Professional Writing with a 2.1. I don’t think I would’ve had the confidence to have done that if it wasn’t through being published at a young age, so I thank Young Writers for giving me the confidence and helping me to become successful in my degree. 

Young Writers: What would you say to a child seeing their name in print for the first time today?

Leanne: Well done! You deserve this. Your talent to succeed in writing comes from you - this is your journey, you deserve this, hold onto this, take it with you into the future!

I can tell you from experience that you will achieve great things because seeing your work in print is amazing, and that feeling of hope gives us strength to carry on.

Young Writers: Do you still write? If yes, feel free to tell us more… 😊

Leanne: I have had various things published from the University of East London and I am working on my own children’s picture book called “Neg And Peg Up In Space” - I hope to see it in Waterstone’s one day! I continue to write, I love it so much and I reckon I will continue forever.

Young Writers: What does it mean to you to be part of the Young Writers legacy?

Leanne: It means so much to me to be a part of this family. I have loved every minute of it! I will continue to write and it’s all thanks to Young Writers.