Learn about the craft of writing for children and young adults over eight weeks of creative writing exercises, class discussions and workshops.

  • Learn about the craft of writing for children and young adults.
  • Develop your critical thinking skills as a reader.
  • Improve your creative writing.

Introduction to Writing for Young People teaches you about the craft of writing for children and young adults. While fostering a supportive writing environment, you’ll be encouraged to develop your voice and writing skills, strengthen your critical thinking skills, work collaboratively with other writers, and explore your own creativity.

You’ll explore approaches to crafting stories that engage and inspire young readers through your own creative writing.

Before the course begins, you'll be required to read the novel Holes by Louis Sachar. Over the course, you’ll explore voice, characterisation, setting, narrative structure and plot amongst other elements of the craft, using Holes as a common language.

This course is open to anyone looking to improve their writing or learn more about writing for children.

“Writing for children and young adults is an exciting and growing field of study. Learning how to read as a writer, and have the chance to experiment with your own writing for young people in this workshop is the ideal way to learn more about yourself as a writer and about the craft of writing for children."

Lucy Cuthew, Lecturer, MA Writing for Young People

Overview

Who you are

No prior experience is needed for Introduction to Writing for Young People, just an interest in learning more about writing for children. English doesn't have to be your first language, but a strong grasp of spoken and written English will help you gain the most from the course.

You must be aged 18+ to take part in this course.

Location

This course will take place at Newton Park campus, Bath.

Dates and times

The next course starts:

  • Thursday 13 February 2025 for nine weeks, Thursdays 11am – 1pm. You’ll receive eight weeks of teaching and a week break for half term.
Cost

This course costs £175 per person. 

What to bring

You’ll need a pen, paper and a copy of Holes for this short course.

Meet the team

Lucy CuthewThis course will be taught by Lucy Cuthew, who is the author of over thirty books for children. She has an MPhil in Children's Literature and worked in children's publishing as an editor for fifteen years.

Her debut novel BLOOD MOON was nominated for the 2021 CILIP Carnegie Medal, won the 2021 Amazing Book Awards, and was shortlisted for the Bath Children's Novel Award in 2019. She speaks regularly on the BBC about children’s books.

Terms and conditions

Read the terms and conditions for taking part in this short course.

Get in touch

If you have any questions, get in touch by emailing l.cuthew@bathspa.ac.uk to chat directly with the course tutor.