Story Studios Carlton
In-person creative writing groups for young writers aged 7–17
A home for young writers, in the heart of Carlton.
Pull up a chair, bring your curiosity and step into a world of story!
At Story Studios Carlton, young writers gather around the writing table to follow strange ideas, swap discoveries and create original stories. Led by practising writers, our small, lively groups make room for imagination, conversation and plenty of unexpected possibilities.
Whether your young writer is already filling notebooks or just discovering a love of storytelling, there’s a welcoming place for them here.
At a glance
One-hour weekly groups for ages 7–17
170 Elgin Street, Carlton, Melbourne
Monday–Friday: 4:15–5:15 pm and 5:30–6:30 pm
Saturday sessions available throughout the day.
Free trials are available throughout the year in groups with availability. Looking for online groups? Explore Story Studios At Home.
Weekly Creative Writing Groups
Our young writers meet for an hour each week in small groups, led by practising writers. Together they explore storytelling fundamentals, pull stories apart, explore your curiosity and develop their creative writing.
There’s plenty of writing, but also conversation, examples, experimentation and personalised feedback. We draw on books, films, TV, comics, games and more, letting young writers’ interests inspire them and giving them tools to bring those ideas to life on the page.
Community, creativity and confidence are at the heart of our story-first approach. With a supportive group and stories they’re excited to tell, young writers learn to shape their ideas, choose their words and refine their drafts, building stronger writing skills along the way.
Each group’s activities reflect its age, needs and interests, with time to practise, share discoveries and develop a voice of your own.
A creative space to feel at home
Step inside our Carlton studio, join other writers around the table and make yourself at home. Surrounded by books, curious minds and unexpected ideas, young writers have a place to let their imaginations wander.
A practising writer beside you
Our Story Mentors draw on a range of creative backgrounds and include screenwriters, novelists, playwrights and musicians. They bring their varied experience and shared love of the craft to every group. Through written and verbal feedback, questions and encouragement, they help young writers follow their ideas, develop their skills and shape the stories they want to tell.
A little group with big ideas
Writing can begin with a spark of an idea and grow through a conversation. In our small groups, young writers swap discoveries, share work and spend time with other young people who are just as interested in stories as they are.
Stories worth sharing
The stories that begin around our writing tables can go a long way. Young writers have opportunities to see their work published in our annual anthology, Quarterly Quill newspaper and digital publications.
Weekly Private Mentorships
For young writers who would benefit from extra support, or older writers developing a larger fiction project, we offer a limited number of 1:1 and 1:2 mentorships tailored to their needs and interests.
Sessions are available after school and on Saturdays, with daytime options. Places and trials depend on a suitable time-slot and mentor.
Masterclass
An extended studio class for committed young writers keen to deepen their skills and take their craft further.
Conversation and regular writing industry guests are part of the semester, alongside opportunities to contribute to exclusive publications. Places are limited and by invitation.
Keep creating between sessions.
Looking for a little storytelling inspiration at home? The Story Nook is full of free writing prompts, screen-free activities and playful ideas for young writers aged 7–17.
Questions?
Read the FAQs ↓
Can we try a session first?
Yes! Your young writer can join a free trial before enrolling.
How much does it cost?
Use the “Check Your Fee” button below for an estimate. After your trial, the team will confirm your enrolment fee.
Fee Calculator – 2026
How long are the sessions?
Each group meets for one hour a week. Times depend on your young writer’s age and availability.
Can parents attend?
Sessions are for young writers and Story Mentors only, in line with our child safety policies. This helps create a comfortable space where young writers can connect and share their ideas.
If your child may need support settling in, please contact us before their first session so we can discuss how best to help.
What will your young writer gain?
Every young writer develops at their own pace, with their own interests, instincts and ways of working. Our weekly creative writing groups give them the guidance, practice and creative community to grow their writing skills over time, while discovering new ways to think, tell stories and appreciate the work of others.
In a world where it’s easier than ever to have ideas generated for us, we believe there’s enormous value in learning to develop your own.
- Build a strong foundation in creative writing and storytelling, from character and world-building to plot, structure and style.
- Become a stronger, more capable writer through regular practice and personalised feedback.
- Think independently and creatively, developing original ideas from the ground up.
- Learn from practising writers who share their craft, creative processes and real-world experience.
- Broaden their creative horizons, discovering new perspectives, developing empathy and appreciating different ways of seeing the world.
- Find their own voice, experimenting with techniques and making thoughtful creative choices.
- Sharpen their communication and critical thinking through discussion, collaboration and constructive feedback.
- Find their people, joining a community of young writers who love stories as much as they do.
- See their stories come to life, with opportunities to share and publish their original writing.
Where can I find 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
Our sessions run during Victorian government school terms, with dates listed above. No classes are held on Victorian public holidays, and fees already account for these breaks.
Still have questions? Check out our FAQs or contact us directly.