About The Book Grotto
Working with young writers has been a highlight of Sam-Ellen's career as a children's author, and The Book Grotto Writers Studio was born out of a desire to create creative opportunities for young people living in regional areas.
Opening in February 2026, we are a studio space in the heart of Creative Geelong where young writers can engage in creative practice, build writing skills, discover a community of like-minded readers and writers, and develop confidence and curiosity. We believe imagination, creative self-expression, and stories are crucial to a rich, meaningful life and we want our studio to be a sanctuary for young writers, whatever stage of their journey they're at.
In addition to our mentorship opportunities, in 2026 we have planned weekly write-in sessions, holiday workshops, a 12-week publishing masterclass program, a short story competition, and a schools program that expands on our studio offerings.
Read on below for more information or visit us (from February 2026) at our studio in Centrepoint Arcade, Geelong.
Writing Mentorships (all ages)
Our writing mentorships provide dedicated time with an experienced writer and mentor, who will work with young writers to encourage creative exploration, answer questions, develop writing and literacy skills, and build confidence in written expression.
Perhaps you are a serious young writer who wishes to gain knowledge about writing and the publishing industry, and workshop some of your ideas. Maybe you need some extra guidance with schoolwork, literacy coaching, or help with exams. Or you could just be curious about creative writing, and looking for some inspiration. We can tailor each mentorship to suit your needs.
Mentorship sessions are held in one-hour blocks - available as a once-off or ongoing sessions to help develop work.
Available individually or - if it seems a little overwhelming! - in small groups.
Adult mentorships are also available, please click here.
12-week Masterclass Program 8-13 years
Coming in the second half of 2026!
The Masterclass program is a 12-week workshop designed for enthusiastic or motivated young writers who want to learn how to become better writers, gain knowledge about the publishing industry and publishing process, collaborate with others and receive feedback about their writing in a supportive creative community.
The 12-week program guides young writers through all aspects of the writing and publication process and is divided into four parts:
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The creative process/unlocking creativity (ideas brainstorming, writing prompts, world-building etc).
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Technical skills (craft and technique, plot, pacing, pov, dialogue, structure, etc)
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Editing processes and refining your story
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Creative marketing (podcast participation, writing reviews, content creation for website blog and social media)
Each participant also receives tailored mentorship through one-on-one sessions with a mentor and individual feedback.
The program culminates with the launch of a professionally published anthology containing stories Masterclass participants have worked on throughout the program.
Download an info sheet: (coming soon)
Wednesday Write-Ins
Beginning in March 2026, a weekly gathering of young writers, readers and artists who wish to meet like-minded friends in the community. We will share and discuss books we have been reading or shows we have been watching, any pieces of writing we have been working on, bounce around ideas in a supportive, friendly environment, and have creative writing prompts for some quiet writing time.
Cost: $10 per session
Time: 4-5pm
Held in our studio space at Centrepoint Arcade, Creative Geelong
The Book Grotto Young Writers Short Story Competition
Coming in the second half of 2026!
We are hoping to run a short story competition with two categories:
Junior Writers 8-13 years
Senior Writers 14-18 years
The stories can be up to 1,500 words (Junior) and 2000 words (Senior) with poetry also accepted.
The optional theme for 2026 will be 'Living and Growing up Regionally', with young writers encouraged to take inspiration from landscape and place and core memories from their experience growing up regionally. This theme is optional only and writers are encouraged to submit whatever story is in their heart.
There will be prizes for winners and runners-up.
Winners and runners-up will also have their stories published in the annual Book Grotto anthology which also includes stories from the 12-week Masterclass program and individual mentorships.
Download an info sheet: (coming soon)
School Programs
We can provide mentorship services and workshop programs to schools, either at the school or in our studio space in Centrepoint Arcade, Geelong.
We can tailor a program to suit an individual school's needs, for both Primary and Secondary groups.
Founder of BPS and The Book Grotto - children's author and publishing professional Sam-Ellen Bound - is also available to give author talks. Please note cost of these are in line with ASA Rates of Pay.
We love working with regional schools especially, so please get in touch to see how we can provide the best experience for students.
Workshops & Short Courses
The Book Grotto run writing workshops after school and in the school holidays.
Workshops are conducted in small groups and equip young writers with practical writing tools and techniques. You'll share stories and workshop feedback, receive unique writing prompts inspired by fabulous children's books, and have opportunities to be published online or maybe even in our annual Book Grotto anthology!
Our upcoming workshops include:
Create Your Own Magical World:
Do you love fantasy, fairytales, magic, monsters, mythology? Learn how to create rich fantasy worlds populated by delightful creatures and intriguing magic systems. We will draw on popular children's fantasy books for inspiration.
When: Easter holidays (VIC), 2026
Storytellers Club 4-Week Workshop
Over the course of this 4-week workshop, young writers will take literary-inspired journeys, drawing inspiration from popular children's books to create epic imaginative worlds, craft spooky mysteries, have action-packed adventures and explore how to tease out stories from everyday life.
When: 4 weeks over Term 2, 2026
Held in our studio space at Centrepoint Arcade, Geelong.