Young Authors Winter Workshop - Years 6 to 8
Description
Young Authors Winter Workshop is a fun, practical two-day creative writing workshop where students in Years 7 & 8 plan, draft, edit, and polish their own short story.
Led by award-winning children’s author, former teacher, and experienced writing tutor Tom E. Moffatt, this workshop helps students learn the tricks authors use to create exciting characters, gripping problems, funny moments, and satisfying endings.
This is not a sit-and-listen workshop. Students will be writing, sharing ideas, developing their own story, and building confidence as young authors.
Perfect for kids who:
love writing stories
have big ideas but struggle to get them on the page
need more confidence with writing
enjoy funny, imaginative or adventurous stories
would benefit from a creative, mostly screen-free school holiday activity
Across the two days, students will create a story they can feel proud of, receive brief written feedback, and contribute to a group anthology PDF after the workshop.
The workshop is friendly, structured and encouraging, with plenty of practical guidance, creative prompts and author tips along the way.
Spaces are limited to keep the group supportive and manageable.
Students will receive:
a printed writing workbook
two full days of author-led creative writing instruction
time to plan, draft, edit and polish their story
brief written feedback
a certificate of completion
a PDF copy of the group anthology after the workshop
Venue: Otonga School, Rotorua
Time: 9am–3pm
Dates: Wednesday 8 July and Thursday 9 July
Age group: Years 7 & 8
If your child loves stories, characters, jokes, imagination, or big ideas, this workshop gives them two full days to turn those ideas into a story they can feel proud of.
FAQs
- Who is the workshop for?
The workshop is for keen young writers in Years 7–8. It is ideal for children who enjoy stories, characters, books, imagination, and creative writing.
- Does my child need to be an advanced writer?
No. They do not need to be perfect spellers or already writing long stories. They just need to be interested in writing and willing to develop their ideas.
- Is this suitable for reluctant writers?
The workshop is mainly aimed at children who already enjoy writing or storytelling. This is not a remedial writing programme, but it can work well for children who enjoy stories and ideas, even if they are not always confident writers.
- What will my child create?
Each student will plan, draft, edit, and polish an original short story. Students will also have the chance to submit their story for inclusion in a digital anthology.
- Will the stories be published?
A PDF anthology will be sent to families after the workshop. Printed copies may be available for $20 each if at least 5 families order a copy.
- Does my child need to bring a device?
Students are encouraged to bring a charged laptop or Chromebook on Day 2 so they can type and polish their story. If they cannot bring a device, they can still attend, but their story will need to be typed at home and emailed by the deadline if they want it included in the anthology.
- What should my child bring?
Morning tea, lunch, water bottle, pen or pencil, and a charged laptop or Chromebook on Day 2 if possible.
- Is lunch provided?
No. Students need to bring their own food and drink.
- What time does it run?
The workshop runs from 9am to 3pm each day. Drop-off is from 8:45am.
- How many students will be in the group?
Places are limited. The target group size is 12–16 students, with a maximum of 18.
- What happens if not enough students book?
If minimum numbers are not reached, families will receive a full refund or the option to transfer into a combined Years 5–8 workshop.
- What is the refund policy?
Bookings are refundable up to 7 days before the workshop, minus any booking fees. Cancellations within 7 days are non-refundable unless the place can be filled from a waiting list. If the workshop is cancelled due to low numbers, families will receive a full refund.
- Will students receive feedback?
Yes. Each student will receive brief feedback on their final story, including one strength and one next step.
- Can siblings attend?
Yes. A sibling discount is available.
- Will books be available to buy?
Yes. Tom’s books will be available to purchase at the workshop.
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