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.

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