Creating The Five – Elgan Rhys

Y Pump was a passion project. It ignited during the pandemic; like many people, I felt with an intensified urgency that those of us with the privilege of experiences and networks should enact allyship toward less-heard and less-represented voices. I’d previously worked mainly as a writer for theatre, and I saw the methods of co-creation and youth-led storytelling which I’d been accustomed to as an exciting way of responding to demands in other sectors for renewed ways of approaching the development of new talent, platforming of different perspectives, and devolving of agency from traditional decision-makers. Recognising particular demands in the young adult books landscape, we began the online co-creation process of Y Pump, commissioned by Y Lolfa, with five early-career authors and five teenaged co-authors, selected from a rigorous nationwide open call. The process had both collaborative storytelling and young writer development at its heart, and, mentored by Manon Steffan Ros, we gradually discovered the souls and journeys of these five characters we grew to love.

When the opportunity arose to continue the story as The Five, it was clear we’d need all the original authors and co-authors back on board. Mared’s role as translator evolved the professional development ethos of the project. The rest of the authors collectively supported Mared on her journey of drafting and redrafting with feedback on her ideas, as well as contributing to design and marketing ideas.

I am beyond grateful to all the authors and co-authors for their trust and passion with this project, and to Mared for embracing this translation with such care and love. I can’t wait for the voices of Tim, Tami, Aniq, Robyn and Cat to reach a wider readership – they deserve to fly.  If The Five inspires just one young person, especially one who may not be used to seeing their experiences portrayed authentically, it will have fulfilled its purpose.