Ref: SWE37466
If you have ever wanted to write for the most discerning and demanding of readers, then this might be the course for you. Often, the most memorable stories, the characters that stick, are those we encounter as childen. This course will offer you a chance to create your own worlds, to explore and develop your writing for children.
Through workshops and practical exercises, we will create characters that come alive and discover ways to enliven and invigorate our writing. We will look at a range of techniques to strengthen our writing and build confidence in our storytelling, including beginnings, dialogue, point of view and age ranges. There will also be a look at the current market, and this course is suitable for those interested in writing for 7-9 years, Middle Grade and Young Adults.
The aim is that you will go home with a notebook stuffed full of ideas and possibilities.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am. Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options
Catherine is an award-winning author of 25 books for young readers. Several of her books have been nominated for the Carnegie Prize, and she has won the Young Quills Award for Historical Fiction with Sawbones in 2013 and the Little Rebels Prize with Freedom in 2019.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
If you’re looking to complete the first draft of a novel and learn about the publishing process. The two-year, part-time MA Creative Writing and Publishing is taught by professional authors and visiting industry professionals. Find out more
