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!
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.
More Info
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!
How much does it cost?
Start with a Free Trial
Your young writer is welcome to try a session for free! After the trial, we’ll reach out to help you secure a spot for the semester.
Join Anytime
If you start partway through the semester, you’ll only pay for the remaining weeks.
To view pricing details, just click the “Check Pricing” button.
Discounts for Returning Families
When you enrol for a full semester, you’ll get access to discounted rates—plus special early bird offers when you sign up early for the next semester.
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?
Story Studios Term Dates 2026
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.