Young Writers’ Groups

We’re looking for new members for our Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley & Doncaster groups starting autumn 2022!
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 14-19s groups meet once a fortnight for 2-hour workshops during term time on a weekday (usually from 5-7pm). Come and build your skills and confidence, be creative and meet others with like-minded interests. You can join any time. (We also run projects for aged 14 up to 30 from time to time including a Poetry Collective for 17-30s and fiction projects too).

“I love how relaxed it is! Ideal if you’re socially awkward like me haha (and dyslexic), although my confidence has grown tons and I’ve made some great friends from the group too.”

Who & what are our groups for?
We welcome young people of all interests, abilities and backgrounds who enjoy any form of writing. 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. Our groups are about sparking ideas and exploring the power of words through creative writing exercises and techniques and not about spelling and grammar. They’re also about being a fun part of a young writers’ community and the opportunities that come with it.

We attract plenty of shy and talkative people to the groups. Everyone is welcoming, accepting and supportive of each other. You can find out what past members of our groups have to say in interviews here (bear in mind these are young people who have been in the network a long time or have left so they might seem quite confident/old!)

Rotherham Young Writers (space for more!)
next sessions 21st Nov & 5th Dec 5-7pm because of half term but then fortnightly during term time, Rotherham Riverside Library. Free for the first year then a small termly cost. (get in touch, email below)
Barnsley Young Writer (space for more!)
next session 2nd and 16th Dec (Fridays 5-7pm The Civic Barnsley, free!, see BYW page here for dates
Sheffield Young Writers (space for more!)
next sessions 30 Nov and 14th Dec 5-7pm, fortnightly Weds during term time, Sheffield Central Library, free for the first few two sessions and then a small termly/or yearly cost. Contact us for more info.
Doncaster Young Writers (space for more!)
Starts 12th Jan 2023 (but get in touch soon!:) at Darts/The Point near central library/Cast/Hall Cross/Don UTC 4.45-6.45pm fortnightly Thursdays. Free for the first year then a small termly cost.
Hive Poetry Collective online for ages 17 to 30s (currently a once every 3 weeks on a Sunday on Zoom) 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: hiveywriters@gmail.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 fiction, scripts, poems, spoken word, lyrics, blogging, and journalism
  • Meet fortnightly for two-hour workshops during term time
  • Gain feedback and guidance on your writing from  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 the BBC Young Writers’ Award, the Orwell Youth Prize, Foyle Young Poet of the Year, New Poets Prize, Ledbury Poetry competition, Wales Young Poet Award and the Young Northern Writers Award. They’ve performed with top poets including Benjamin Zephaniah, Buddy Wakefield, and Hollie McNish, and interviewed favourite authors 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. Several have even become young Poet Laureates. Membership of one of our groups has been something to feel proud of on uni statements and CVs. 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 and beyond. You can find some of your celebrated young writers here.

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