Winter Story Camp: Creative Writing Workshops for Young Writers

Join us in the studio for creative writing workshops to help your inner storyteller shine!

This winter, we're diving into worlds of ancient gods and modern myths, quiet courage, hidden mechanisms, and the song of the earth itself. We'll explore stories of identity and belonging, adventure and friendship, and the extraordinary power that lives inside ordinary kids — just like you. Through these literary-inspired journeys, you'll gather ingredients to weave into your own unique creations while discovering your writer's voice!

It is not a requirement to have read any of these books (or seen the movies) before attending, but it will be helpful to get the most out of each workshop. (Some perfect winter holiday reading, perhaps? 📚)

Story Camps are suitable for ages 8–13. All workshops are held at our Balwyn North studio.

If you'd like to know more about any of these workshops before booking, please feel free to contact us.

We look forward to writing with you soon!

Program Schedule:

✨ MONDAY 6 JULY

10am – 12pm: My Name is Mina by David Almond

Mina doesn't fit into the ordinary world, nor does she want to. She keeps a journal where she explores her wildest thoughts, questions the universe, and discovers the power of her own strange and wonderful mind. In this workshop, we'll explore journaling as a doorway to storytelling. What does it mean to write for yourself, without rules or expectations? You'll create your own piece of Mina-inspired writing: honest, strange, and entirely yours.

1 – 3pm: The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson) by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson has always felt like he didn't belong. Then he discovers he's the son of a Greek god. Suddenly, the world is a whole lot bigger, more dangerous, and more exciting than he ever imagined. In this workshop, we'll explore how to write larger-than-life adventure stories where ordinary kids discover they're anything but. What hidden power or heritage might your character uncover?

✨ TUESDAY 7 JULY

10am – 12pm: Two Wolves by Tristan Bancks

Ben is just a kid trying to figure out if his parents are good people or bad people, and what that means for who he is. In this gripping, morally complex story, we'll explore how to write about difficult truths with courage and nuance. How do you tell a story where there are no easy answers? You'll craft a story featuring a character caught between two worlds, two loyalties, or two versions of what they believe to be true.

1 – 3pm: KPop Demon Hunters (movie)

For those staying for lunch or arriving from 12pm, we'll have KPop Demon Hunters playing in the background — a chance to soak up the world before we dive in. In this afternoon's workshop, we'll use the film as a springboard for our own storytelling. You'll choose a character from this vibrant universe — a main character, a minor one, or even a new character we imagine — and write them a story of their own.

✨ WEDNESDAY 8 JULY

10am – 12pm: The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

Inside a Paris train station, a boy lives secretly among the clocks. He's protecting a secret, searching for a key, and trying to understand the broken machine his father left behind. This captivating story is told in words and pictures. In this workshop, we'll help you craft a story with a mystery at its heart. You are invited to tell it in words, pictures, or a mix of both!

1 – 3pm: The Whale's Last Song by Joanne Fedler

Estie ventures alone into a dark forest to find a cure for her beloved sister. Deep in the woods, she discovers that the answers she seeks are bound up with a whale making his own final journey out at sea. In this workshop, inspired by this tender fable about love, sacrifice, and the natural world, you'll write a piece of narrative or poetry to take home rolled in a recycled paper scroll — a keepsake as alive as the story inside it.

Feedback from past participants & parents:

"I loved all the amazing book topics and ideas everyone thought of, and especially the wonderful teachers that made writing more than just writing on books. We kept brainstorming ideas that we all loved. I would definitely recommend this to other families!" — Chloe, 12

"He absolutely loved the program!! Can't stop talking about it." — Parent of Pacifico, 8

"It was SO FUN!" — Sarina, 13

"I want to express my sincere gratitude for your helpful and comprehensive feedback on my daughter's participation in your workshops. Your observations and insights are truly valuable. Delnaz thoroughly enjoyed her time with you and had a great experience in your workshops. She felt comfortable, engaged, and had fun with the activities." — Parent of Delnaz, 8

"Thank you so much for having Ramona last Tuesday. She had so much fun and really enjoyed the writing program!" — Parent of Ramona, 10

Important Information

✏️ $55 per workshop / $100 per day / $270 for the full Story Camp (3 days)

✏️ Young writers staying for both workshops in a day are welcome to remain with us during the lunch break at no extra charge.

✏️ Please bring a snack and/or packed lunch and a water bottle.

✏️ Please let us know of any medical conditions, special requirements, or fun facts we should be aware of when booking. We'll do everything we can to make our space as comfortable, safe, and fun as possible for all young writers!

✏️ Before booking, please be sure to read our Terms & Conditions.

About your facilitators

Amy Han is a writer, the founder of Words of a Feather, and the author of The Yard Sale at Story House and A Field of Stars. She has spent over a decade creating spaces where young writers can discover the power of their own stories — and the joy of telling them. You can read more about her here.

Jake Gale is a mentor at Words of a Feather and a guest writer in Melbourne from New Jersey, USA. Jake has been passionate about writing since attending youth workshops as a twelve-year-old, and has since worked as a writing mentor with young people — helping them develop their ideas, find their voice, and grow in confidence on the page.