Hive Young Writers’ Groups
If you’re a secret scribbler, vocal wordsmith, closet novelist or part-time poet, Hive runs a network of relaxed, supportive and friendly young writers groups and programmes for ages 14 to 19 (usually in Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham). (New groups restarting autumn 2026. See dates & details below!)
Come, be creative and meet others with like-minded interests while building your skills, confidence and CV. (Coming for the first time? Please get in touch beforehand if time, thanks! 🙂
Who & what are our groups for?
We welcome young people of all interests and backgrounds who enjoy any form of writing. You don’t have to think you’re a great writer to come along, you just need an interest in writing and a willingness to try something new. Our groups are about sparking ideas and exploring the power of words through inspiring examples greats and great writing exercises and techniques, not about spelling and grammar. They’re also about being part of a supportive young writers’ community and the opportunities that come with it.
Whether you’re shy or talkative, into sci-fi or poetry, you’ll find your place here. Our groups are welcoming, accepting and supportive. And there are always biscuits! 🙂 We also run projects for writers aged 14–30, and currently have an exciting 14–30s competition running here.
Our groups and programmes typically run 5–7pm on a fortnightly weekday in central Rotherham, Sheffield, Barnsley & Doncaster. (When coming for the first time, please get in touch beforehand if time, thanks! 🙂
Sheffield Young Writers: Sheffield Central Library / fortnightly Weds / 5–7pm / autumn join us Wed 14th Oct
Barnsley Young Writers: Barnsley Civic / fortnightly Fri / 5–7pm / join us Friday 16th Oct at Barnsley Civic (supported by Word Honey)
Rotherham Young Writers: Riverside Library, Rotherham / fortnightly Thurs / 5–7pm / join us Thursday 15th Oct (supported by Word Honey)
Doncaster: programme to be announced / get in touch
Interested in checking out a group? Where possible beforehand, please send your full name | date of birth | group/town you’re interested in | any writing interests: [email protected] (Ideally email from a non-school address as these can block incoming replies 🙂
(We also have Hive Poetry Collective online for writers aged 17–30s (currently every 3 weeks on Sundays via Zoom) Find out more >> here) And we have kick-strart/restart in fiction & poetry programmes starting in Nov/Dec for young writers up to aged 30 from across the North and Midlands so get in touch if it’s of interest.
At our groups:
— Write, share and develop your writing with other young writers in a relaxed & supportive environment
— Explore a range of creative writing forms including fiction, scripts, poems, spoken word 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
— Take part in themed writing projects, residentials and local open mics
— Make your writing development count towards initiatives such as Arts Award and Duke of Edinburgh
Writing successes
Members of our groups have been widely published and have won poetry slams, writing competitions and national and international awards including the BBC Young Writers’ Award, the Orwell Youth Prize, Foyle Young Poet of the Year, the New Poets Prize, and the Young Northern Writers Award.
They’ve performed alongside leading poets including Benjamin Zephaniah, Buddy Wakefield and Hollie McNish, and interviewed authors such as Malorie Blackman and Helen Morte. Many have gone on to study or persue creative writing and a wide range of exciting opportunities in the arts and beyond.
Being part of our groups is something many members are proud to include on university applications and CVs. More importantly, we’re confident our long-term members would say that the creativity, confidence and friendships they’ve developed through the groups have supported them throughout their education and into adult life.
Hive alumni include: Joe O’Brien (lead guitarist and songwriter in THE REYTONS), Sile Sibanda (presenter on BBC Radio Sheffield) and Sheffield Poet Laureates Warda Yassin, Danae Wellington & Beth Davies. You can meet some of our celebrated young writers here.
Still not sure? Listen to (older) young writers tell you how they got involved (from way back in 2017!) here.
