If you're a parent or a grandparent, there are probably a few stories you could recite by heart. Even if you're not, you can probably remember those stories you chose to read in childhood again and again (...and again).
Either way, you might have a brilliant idea for a children's book, film or TV show but have no idea how- or where- to start.
We've got you!
This six week beginners course will guide you through the fundamentals of story telling and explore fiction for toddlers to young adults to inspire you to write exactly the kind of stories children will want to come back to again and again (... and again).
(Price stated for full six week course. Instalment options available on request. Contact getintouch@orwrite.com for more information.)
Basic Rules
You'll learn the fundamentals of storytelling. From short stories to script writing, you'll discover the key ingredients to story and how to use them to craft a great tale
Plotting
You'll cover different approaches to story plot an how they work across all styles of fiction
Character
You'll study the best loved characters in children's literature and learn how to build characters with whom children truly identify
Setting
You'll look at the world from a new perspective, through a child's eyes. You'll learn how to create new worlds specifically for them
Age Groups
You'll identify the target age groups of children's literature and learn the key ingredients to engage your reader, no matter what age
Genre
You'll cover a range of genres, examining their differences as well as how genre is tailored to the younger audience
What you'll learn
Prose
You'll have the chance to try your hand at novel form as well as short and flash fiction styles
Poetry
We'll look at a variety of poetry forms and get creative with all things lyrical
Scripts
We'll look at scripts from stage and screen to help you write scenes fit for the movies
What we'll cover
Course Dates & Times
Title | Day | Date | Start time | End time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome | Thursday | 26/02/2026 | 19:00 | 21:00 |
Session 2 | Thursday | 05/03/2026 | 19:00 | 21:00 |
Session 3 | Thursday | 12/03/2026 | 19:00 | 21:00 |
Session 4 | Thursday | 19/03/2026 | 19:00 | 21:00 |
Session 5 | Thursday | 26/03/2026 | 19:00 | 21:00 |
Final Session | Thursday | 02/04/2026 | 19:00 | 21:00 |
Book your place now
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Just yourself. Notebooks and pens will be provided as well as everything else you need to engage in the sessions. Of course, if you have a favourite pen or notebook you prefer, by all means bring them along.
Not at all — Orwrite courses are open to everyone from beginners to seasoned writers, in search of a refresher.
We've chosen course venues around the city that are easily accessible and which offer the quiet and space to learn in a comfortable environment. All venues are on bus routes and all have parking nearby.
At Orwrite, we believe the only way to learn is by doing. That's why all Orwrite courses will give you the chance to develop your skill and your confidence in writing:
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Through guided writing exercises designed to develop your style, approach and thinking
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Through pair and group activities that encourage supportive and collaborative working that helps develop specific skills to be used in individual exercises
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Through individual feedback and reassuring guidance to help you build on your learning and hone your craft
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Don't worry. We know not everyone can be available, just in the daytime or in the evenings. That's why we deliberately offer courses on a rolling basis; offering the same courses across the day and into the evening. If a course isn't available at the time you want it, check back the following term for alternative course timings. Alternatively, sign up for our newsletter to get updates on upcoming courses.
In the meantime, why not book onto a retreat to get your creative juices flowing?
Sorry to hear you're not enjoying the course you enrolled on. We get that sometimes courses can feel overwhelming or you chose a creative area you aren't fully comfortable with.
Unfortunately, we can't offer refunds beyond the first week of learning. If you find, however, after the first week that a course isn't for you, we will do our best to accommodate, either refunding the difference (excluding week 1 fees) or transferring you to a more appropriate alternative course. Just drop us an email and we will get back to you as soon as we can.