Young Writers’ Groups
We’re looking for new members! (Oct 2020!)
If you’re a secret scribbler, vocal wordsmith, closet novelist or part-time poet, Hive runs a network of young writers groups in Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham. Our groups meet once a fortnight for 2 hours during term time on a regular weekday (usually from 5 or 5.30pm to 7 or 7.30pm depending on the group). They are for 14 to 19s (sometimes slightly older).
We also currently have a once a month Poetry Collective for 17-30s. And if you’re an older fiction writer, get in touch too because we might have a group for you too in the near future.
Who & what are our groups for?
We welcome young people of all interests, abilities and backgrounds who enjoy any form of writing. Our groups are about sparking ideas and exploring the power of words through creative writing exercises and techniques rather than obsessing over spelling and grammar. They’re also about being a fun part of a young writers’ community and the opportunities that come with it.
You don’t have to think you’re a great writer to join, you just need an interest in writing and a willingness to try new things. We have plenty of quiet and shy, and louder and talkative people in the groups. Everyone is welcoming, accepting and supportive of each other. You can hear more about the group from young writers themselves here.
Our main 4 groups usually run fortnightly during term time in libraries and arts venues, BUT currently, we are starting back on Zoom. If you’re not a fan of Zoom, we understand. You are welcome to have your camera off and communicate by chat., or if you want to wait until we’re back in the world, get in touch anyway so we know you’re interested.
Sheffield Young Writers – almost full again, get in touch soon!
Starts 13th Oct oct (tues then moves to weds) – 5.30 to 7.30pm, fortnightly during term time, Sheffield Central Library (currently on Zoom)
(free for the first few months and then a small sessional fee)
Rotherham Young Writers
Starts Mon 19th Oct – 5 to 7pm fortnightly during term time, Rotherham Riverside Central Library (currently on Zoom)
Doncaster Young Writers – Brave New Words Project
Starts Mon 19th Oct – 5 to 7pm fortnightly during term time, The Point, Doncaster (currently on Zoom)
(Brave New Words Project Doncaster for 18 to 30s Thurs 23rd Oct 6-8pm)
Barnsley Young Writers
Starts Mon 19th Oct – 5 to 7pm fortnightly during term time, Barnsley Central Library (currently on Zoom)
Hive Poetry Collective for 17 to 30s (currently a once every 3 weeks Zoom for poets South Yorkshire and nearby).
Starts 18th Oct – Find out more>> here (small sessional fee)
Our groups offer:
- Write, share and develop your interests with other young writers in a relaxed and supportive environment
- Explore a wide range of creative writing forms including: stories, poems, scripts, spoken word, lyrics, blogging, and journalism
- Meet fortnightly for two-hour workshops during term time
- Gain feedback and guidance on your writing from emerging and professional writers
- Hear about national and regional writing competitions and awards
- Access and take part in further writing opportunities such as themed projects, residentials, and open mics
- Gain a writing-focused Arts Award through an ongoing commitment to your writing
Writing successes
Members of our groups have been published widely, and won poetry slams and writing competitions and awards such as Foyle Young Poet of the Year, New Poets Prize, the BBC Young Writers’ Award, Ledbury Poetry competition, and the Young Northern Writers Award. Some have performed with top poets including Benjamin Zephaniah, Buddy Wakefield, and Hollie McNish, or interviewed a favourite author such as Malorie Blackman. Some have gone on to study writing at university or taken their writing further with a whole range of exciting opportunities. And we’re pretty sure, all long-term members would agree that the skills and qualities they developed from coming to a writing group have helped support their journey into adult life.
Interested in checking out a group? Email us with your name, age, writing interests, and the group you’re interested in to: info@hivesouthyorkshire.com
Still not sure? Listen to young writers tell you how they got involved here.
