Our writing mentorships provide dedicated time with an experienced writer and mentor, who will work with your child 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.

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Mentorship sessions are one hour - available as a once-off or ongoing sessions to help develop work.

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Available individually or - if it seems a little overwhelming! - in small groups.

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Adult mentorships are also available, please click here.

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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:

• The creative process/unlocking creativity (ideas brainstorming, writing prompts, world-building etc).

• Technical skills (craft and technique, plot, pacing, pov, dialogue, structure, etc)

• Editing processes and refining your story

• Creative marketing (podcast participation, writing reviews, content creation for website blog and social media)

Each participant also receives tailored mentorship through two one-on-one sessions and individual feedback.

The program culminates with the launch of a professionally published anthology containing  stories Masterclass participants have worked on throughout the program.

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Download an info sheet: (coming soon)

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Coming in 2026, we are hoping to run a short story competition with two categories:

Junior Writers 8-13 years 

Senior Writers 14-18 years

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The stories can be up to 1,500 words (Junior) and 2000 words (Senior) with poetry also accepted.

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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.

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There will be prizes for winners and runners-up.

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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.

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Download an info sheet: (coming soon)