Young Writers’ Groups
If you’re a secret scribbler, vocal wordsmith, closet novelist or part-time poet, Hive runs a network of young writers groups (usually in Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham)
Come, be creative and meet others with like-minded interests while building your skills and confidence.
“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. Proud to add everything I’ve achieved through the group to my UCAS form.”
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 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. And there are always biscuits! 🙂 We also run projects for aged 14 up to 30, and currently have an exciting 14-30s competition running here.
Please email & say hi (details below) before coming to check out a group. Thanks! 🙂
Our groups typically run during term time as follows:
Sheffield Young Writers
Fortnightly Weds 5-7pm, Sheffield Central Children’s Library (closes to the public from 5pm)
Rotherham Young Writers
Fortnightly Thurs 5-7pm, Rotherham (Central) Riverside Library. In partnership with Flux Rotherham
Barnsley Young Writer
Fortnightly Fridays 5-7pm, in partnership & based at Barnsley Civic
Doncaster Young Writers
Fortnightly Monday 5-7pm | more info to follow
Interested in checking out a group? Email us: with your name | date of birth | any writing interests | and the group you’re interested in to: [email protected] Note: ideally send from non-school email as these can block incoming replies 🙂
Hive Poetry Collective online for writers aged 17 to 30s (currently once every 3 weeks on a Sunday on Zoom) Find out more>> here
At our groups:
— Write, share and develop your interests 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 further writing opportunities such as themed projects, residentials, and local 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 many 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 local 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 aspirations, confidence and journey into adult life. You can find some of your celebrated young writers here.
Our groups 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 & Beth Davies
Still not sure? Listen to (older) young writers tell you how they got involved here.
