Young Writers’ Groups

We’re looking for new members! (from autumn 2021)
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-hour workshops during term time on a weekday (usually from 5 or 5.30pm to 7 or 7.30pm depending on the group). They are for 14 to 19s (and we run projects and programmes for up to aged 30 from time to time).

We also have a once-a-month Poetry Collective for 17-30s running from Oct 2021. And if you’re an older fiction writer, get in touch too.

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.

Sheffield Young Writers – get in touch! 
Normally 5 to 7pm, fortnightly Wednesdays during term time, Sheffield Central Library (but will start in an alternative location in city centre for a few sessions). Contact us for more info. Start date 6th October (free for the first session then a small termly fee)
Rotherham Young Writers – get in touch!
5 to 7pm fortnightly during term time, Riverside Central Library Library Rotherham. Free Start date 4th October
Doncaster Young Writers – get in touch! 
5 to 7pm fortnightly Thursdays during term time, Darts/The Point Free
Half-term week afternoon taster session Wed 27th Oct 2.30pm to 4.45pm & then fortnight Thursday evenings from 4th November
Barnsley Young Writers (TBC)
5 to 7pm fortnightly during term time, Free, Barnsley Town Centre Venue TBC
Hive Poetry Collective for 17 to 30s (currently a once every 3 weeks) Find out more>> here (small sessional fee)
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

At our groups:

  • 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, Wales Young Poet Award 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.

Still not sure? Listen to young writers tell you how they got involved here.