Creative Story Writing Groups (Carlton)

After school creative writing groups, perfect for inspiring imagination, equipping young writers with practical writing tools and techniques, and providing a fun, supportive environment where young writers can explore and deepen their narrative writing skills!

Discover the magic of storytelling with our after school creative writing groups and mentorship programs for kids and teens. Dive into a world brimming with creativity, engaging discussions, and exciting publishing opportunities, including a beautiful annual anthology, a whimsical quarterly newspaper, vibrant digital publications and more.

Weekly Story Writing Groups

In our small, after school creative writing groups, young writers journey into the craft of story under the guidance of our experienced Story and Writing Mentors. They receive written and verbal feedback on their work, bounce around ideas in an open and supportive setting, have fun drawing on examples from literature and screen and putting the tools and techniques acquired through prompts and lessons into practice as they develop their own stories.

Sessions are available Mon-Fri (4:15pm – 5:15pm and 5:30pm – 6:30pm) and all day Saturday.

Transform your passion into a lifelong craft!

Free trials available at any time throughout the year in groups with availability.

Weekly Private Mentorships

Story Studios Australia offers a limited number of 1:1 or 1:2 mentorships for young writers who may need extra support, or for those older writers who are working on a larger fiction project and would like further guidance. The mentorships are tailorable according to the needs and interests of the young writer(s). Mentorships are subject to the availability of a timeslot and a well matched mentor.

Sessions run after school and on Saturdays with the option of joining us during the day.

Trials are available at any time, subject to the conditions mentioned above. Contact us to schedule your trial today!

TRIAL NOW!

Masterclass

An exclusive, longer class that takes place in the Carlton studio for advanced and passionate writers with a strong dedication to the craft and an interest in pursuing writing as a career. Masterclass is conversational and features regular writing industry guests throughout the semester. Masterclass have the opportunity to be published in exclusive publications each year. Masterclass places are limited and by invitation only.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost?

Your young writer is welcome to join us for a free trial session! After the trial, we’ll be in touch to help you secure a place for the semester. While we encourage young writers to join for the full semester to get the most out of our program, you’re welcome to enrol at any time. If you join partway through the term, you’ll simply pay for the remaining weeks. To view pricing details, just click the “Check Your Fee” button.

Fee Calculator

How long does each weekly session run?

Our weekly sessions are one hour long and held on a consistent day each week, based on your preference and our availability for the relevant age group. Both in-person and online sessions typically begin after school, with start times at 4:15 PM or 5:30 PM. On Saturdays, we offer a range of sessions running from 9:30 AM to 5:15 PM, available both online and in our studio, providing flexibility to suit your weekend schedule.

What is included in the sessions?

Our creative writing sessions are built around fostering a love of storytelling and teaching young writers the fundamental skills required to tell great stories. Each session lasts one hour and generally focuses on a specific aspect of creative writing, such as character development, world-building, or narrative structure. The session typically includes a fun and interactive discussion on the topic, examples, and a related writing exercise to spark creativity. Following this, there is dedicated writing time where the Story Mentor offers personalised feedback. Young writers are also encouraged to share their ideas and writing with the group. This format will vary somewhat depending on the group’s age, needs and interests. 

Additionally, our sessions frequently relate to broader Term-based themes or projects, which help our mentors to frame their lessons and provide exciting and engaging opportunities for our young writers, such as becoming published authors in our annual anthology!

What will your young writer gain?

  • Explore fundamental and advanced narrative writing and story topics and techniques
  • Develop confidence in their unique ideas skills
  • Enhance their storytelling abilities and deepen their knowledge of the craft
  • Connect with a vibrant community of fellow writers
  • Be inspired by experienced writing mentors
  • Develop and evolve critical thinking skills 
  • Practice articulating complex ideas
  • Curate their own unique voice and style
  • Have the opportunity to share and collaborate
  • Receive personalised feedback
  • Have the opportunity to see their work published

Can parents attend the sessions with their young writers?

No, parents cannot attend the sessions either in person or online. This policy ensures compliance with Story Studios Australia’s child safety policies, which emphasise the need for secure, supportive environments free from additional adult presence. Limiting attendance to participants and mentors helps maintain group dynamics, allowing children to feel more comfortable and open. Our trained mentors can then better facilitate a focused, creative, and supportive atmosphere for all young writers. If you anticipate any issues with settling your young writer into a new group or environment, please let us know in advance so we can support them to feel comfortable.

What are the term dates?

Semester 1
Term 1: Monday 2 February to Thursday 2 April 
Term 2: Monday 20 April to Saturday 27 June 

Semester 2
Term 3: Monday 13 July to Saturday 19 September 
Term 4: Monday 5 October to Saturday 5 December​ 

Note: All classes run in line with the Victorian government school terms. Classes do not run on Victorian public holidays. Fees have been calculated accordingly for affected classes.

Got more questions? Check out our FAQs or contact us directly.

“This course has really helped hone in on her passion. She’s improved her writing skills and this showed with high marks in Literature this year. Her story mentor has been a huge influence in Isavella pursuing an Arts degree next year, with a creative writing focus (hooraaaaaay!)”
Mary Parent
“Story Studios has been part of Noah’s life since he was in primary school and I truly believe the amazing mentorship and support he has received over that time has not only developed his passion for writing but shaped his aspirations for the future. Thank you all so much again for everything!”
AshikaParent
“We have loved being involved with the Story Studios Australia. Our daughter loves to read and write and was looking for an extension program. However, we live 3.5 hours from Melbourne and every program we looked at required attendance in the city. Story Studios had an online weekly program for small groups. This format was perfect for us! The tutoring quality has been excellent and our daughter has really enjoyed and benefited from being involved with Story Studios.”
MichelleParent
“Zoë wants to come twice a week like Ollie, she loved it so much in person, and then Ollie left the session tonight and said he wants to cancel everything else he does and just go there every night!”
JocastaParent
“Zoe’s sessions have really helped her to engage with others who love writing as well, learn writing techniques and how to explore her ideas.”
MelanieParent