Have a word…what’s your favourite?

Words are wonderful. It’s hard to choose a favourite isn’t it? There are the ones we save for when we’re really angry. The controversial ones that help us vent all our frustrations. Some help us when we’re lost for words. And there’s ones that describe the most magical moments in life. Like ‘petrichor’…the smell of the earth after it’s rained.

But did you know you could actually adopt a word? You could choose your favourite or just one that needs a little love. The fabulous team at The Ministry of Stories have reopened their Word Sale and it’s one that makes a huge difference.

Hidden behind ‘Hoxton Street Monster Supplies’ is the secret HQ of The Ministry of Stories. A writing and mentoring centre in East London that offers kids from 8-18 a creative lifeline. Co-founded by giant of literature Nick Hornby, the Ministry nurtures young writing talent through 1-2-1 mentoring, writing clubs and workshops. It provides innovative writing programmes that build confidence, ignite creativity and offer a publishing platform to young writers. It’s a special place. And it’s one all of us can support. In a word.

Adopt a word

For just £20 you can adopt your favourite word for a year, or personalise it and give it as a gift to someone else. When it’s yours no one else can adopt the same word. When they’re gone, they’re gone so you have to be quick. As the official guardian, you receive a personalised certificate to remind you of all the young writers you’ll be supporting in the year ahead.

Last year I adopted petrichor, as a little Xmas present to myself. Every time it’s rained this year, I’ve thought about it, shouted it and marvelled at it. And now that the sale’s reopened I’ve chosen a word for 2021 that I can sneak into as many conversations as I can. As a Roald Dahl fan and chocoholic there was one that jumped out at me this year: Scrumdiddlyumptious.

2021 may not bring me a golden ticket or even a Wonka bar. But if adopting one little word means that a young writer can turn their scribbles into the stories of the future…that’s scrumdiddlyumptious enough for me.