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For kids aged 9-12
Young Writers
The hour of the week they don't want to miss.
Enrol for Term 4 2026
Try 3 free lessons
Every week your child hops on Zoom with author Karen Hughes and a small group of other kids who love making up stories. There's a new world to explore each session. If they want to read their writing out loud, they can. If they'd rather listen this week, that's fine too. Nobody's marked, nobody's wrong, and they get better because they're enjoying themselves.

What a session looks like

A quick warm-up to shake the ideas loose. A theme for the week, maybe dragons, maybe the bottom of the ocean, maybe something they've never tried. A practical exercise or two, if we feel like it. Then everyone writes, and anyone who wants to shares their story with a friendly room.

Why we keep the group small

We cap every group at 12. It means Karen knows your child's name, remembers their story from last week, and there's always time for them to be heard. A crowded Zoom can be overwhelming for some kids. A room where everyone matters needs a limit.

What parents say

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Lani Jacobs
Recommends Hunter Valley Writers on Facebook
"Karen is a fabulous teacher! Our boy loved every moment of these workshops. He had so much fun and no idea was ever seen as a bad one. His handwriting and writing skills improved tremendously. His imagination and ability to describe and create have developed alongside his confidence. Thank you Karen for a fantastic year!"
DH
Donna Hampton
Recommends Hunter Valley Writers on Facebook
"Our daughter absolutely loves the writing program with Karen, its a highlight in her week and has helped in so many areas of growth, both socially and within the school classroom in terms of improved hand writing, better writing structure and more confidence to share her work. Karen's class is fun and engaging, we will definitely be returning and highly recommend this for any child. Thank you Karen."

The book at the end

At the end of the year, your child's story goes into a real anthology they can hold and hand to grandma. A few of our writers have gone on to publish books all their own. It's a lovely finish, but not the reason they came.
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"We love Hunter Valley Writers workshops and courses in our family as they are magical experiences for all children. The inspiration, fun and laughter ... becoming published authors is a happy bonus! There is something very special and motivating for children to see their own words in print in a 'real book'. Karen Hughes is a wonderful teacher and great writing mentor."
Claire Michell

Holiday Fun in our Maitland studio and on Zoom!

Turbo-charge your creative writing this school holidays with our popular creative writing workshops, Animal Magic, Superhero School and Mad Scientist. Woo hoo! Kalika Magic author Karen Hughes will be presenting these fantastic 3-hour workshops for kids aged 8-13. Join us for a morning of fun and inspiration.

WHERE: 248 High St. Maitland or join us on Zoom

WHEN: 16-18 January 2023

TIME: 10am-1pm


Learn More

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Inspiration for Schools

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We offer an exciting full term program for schools and community groups with at least 10 participants. The program consists of weekly one hour writing sessions with author Karen Hughes at your school, at our Maitland studio or on Zoom, and is aimed at sparking creativity and improving writing skills.

At the end of the term, we'll publish an anthology of student stories.

Alternatively, talk to us about a half or whole day of creative writing workshops, either live or on Zoom.

School Writing Programs

High School Club on Zoom

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Learn More

2024 BOOKINGS ARE NOW CLOSED

For kids aged 12-15 who have completed the Talented Kids Program or Young Authors Club and want to take their writing even further. A one hour workshop with author Karen Hughes every Monday. Get creative. Explore all kinds of genres and learn new writing techniques. Submit your stories for publication on our website and in our annual anthology.

WHERE:  At home on Zoom

WHEN:  Mondays from 5pm-6pm

Ready?

 

Includes 8 x weekly 1 hour Zoom sessions with Karen Hughes for one school term. Tuesdays at 5pm, starting in Term 4, 2026. Does not include paperback anthology—books are available for purchase through our bookshop and at Amazon.

BONUS: Join now and your writer will get a FREE membership to our Young Authors Club, with 10 extra online lessons to work through at home whenever they like.

Not sure yet? Start with three free lessons. One email, three of our favourite writing adventures, sent straight to your inbox.