Join Stacey Sampson for a brand new group for those writing for children - fortnightly space to read, write and reflect on your work - alternate Tuesdays 1pm-2:30pm from 23rd September-2nd December 2025.
Your ticket includes 6 sessions on the following dates:
- September 23rd
- October 7th and 21st
- November 4th and 18th
- December 2nd
Each term we will use an 'anchor text' to inform our discussions. This will be a published novel that we’ll all delve into together to explore what makes great children’s literature. We will interrogate key aspects of writing for young audiences, both through the lens of this book – and other examples. What makes a gripping opening? Compelling characters? A page-turning narrative?
Alongside this, you will be provided with relevant prompts (and most importantly – time!) to press on with your own writing. During the course of each block you will have at least one dedicated feedback slot where the group will offer constructive reflections on your work in progress. Bookings are by block for the term so we can build a community who understand each other's work across the sessions.
The group will be hosted by Stacey Sampson who has been facilitating arts projects for youth and community groups for over 20 years. Her children’s fiction won the Mslexia Novel Competition, the Arvon Award and a Northern Writers’ Award. She’s also a busy working parent who struggles to find space to write - so these sessions are designed to acknowledge the challenges and opportunities we face as aspiring writers, and provide that regular inspiration and accountability we all need to keep following our creative star!
Your ticket is all inclusive for 6 sessions, a copy of the anchor novel and your feedback slot.
Please note:
- The group is suitable for all levels of experience – you could be completely new to writing for children, or be close to finishing a manuscript. The sessions will focus on middle- grade books/readership, however if you write for slightly younger or older audiences the content should still be applicable.
- The Writers Workshop’s space in Orchard Square, Sheffield, has no step-free access. If you have been excluded from this event due to inaccessibility, please let us know. We are committed to finding fully accessible premises and, in the meantime, making as many of our events available online as possible.
The Writers Workshop is a nonprofit social enterprise on a mission to enable everyone to experience the joy and power of creative writing, both at our venue in Sheffield and online. Members of the Writers Workshop get a discount on all our events and other perks. For more information, visit www.thewritersworkshop.co.uk.
Photo by Zoshua Colah on Unsplash
