All Stories

A free programme offering development opportunities to underrepresented children's book writers unable to pay for support.

Includes mentorships, writing workshops and more. Funded by Arts Council England, ALCS and Inclusive Books for Children.

12/09/2025

We’re now entering a quiet season for All Stories, but watch this space for news as we have it to share…

(And here’s your forever reminder to keep writing and working on your craft!!)

01/08/2025

If you’re a writer looking to develop yourself and your work, a mentorship like really is a life-changing opportunity. And you don’t just need to take our word for it - here’s Hayley Grififn telling you about her experience as an All Stories mentee.

If you’re debating about whether to apply for such an opportunity, we say go for it!

17/07/2025

We might be in-between programmes, but the support for our former mentees doesn’t stop! They were treated to an amazing editing masterclass last week, by the wonder-editor/author/mentor that is Sara Grant. It was packed full of incredibly helpful, practical exercises and advice, and possibly the biggest takeaway was the importance of the editing process in getting to truly know yourself as a writer, and using that to develop and refine your work. Huge thanks to Sara for giving us your time and your wisdom!

Sara’s new book, The Ultimate Guide to Editing, is out now - we’re not exaggerating when we say this is the BEST editing book out there. A must-have for any writer!

02/07/2025

Wishing our talented 2024 mentees the best possible luck as they take their next steps into their writing and publishing careers. We’re so proud of you all, and can’t wait to see the brilliant things you’ll do.

We’re excited to watch this space for more news on:

Emmy Clarke (top middle), Paula David (top right), Tara Schwarze-Chintapatla (centre left), Tammie Meera Ash (centre middle), Jane Kent (centre right), Marva Carty (bottom left), Mohammad Saki (bottom middle), Helen Rose (bottom right), Hayley Griffin (not pictured).

And you can read more about them and their writing on our website, on the previous mentee page: https://www.allstories.org.uk/mentorships/previous-mentees

05/06/2025

Hugest congrats to All Stories alum on publication of the brilliant AUGMENTED today, with - as winner of their Imagined Futures prize! We’re so proud to have been a small part of your journey and can’t wait to watch this book - and you - soar!

- 💜 team All Stories and

16/04/2025

We’re celebrating the incoming Easter long weekend by sharing our current reads with you - we’d love to hear what’s on your tbr, too!

The copy on our slides reads:

Catherine is reading … Sufferah by
Over Easter, I’ll be reading Alex Wheatle’s memoir, Sufferah (published by ). The publishing community was rocked by the news of Alex’s death last month. I’ve been saving his memoir, and almost don’t want to start it as I want to savour the words he left us. Alex was not only brilliantly talented but incredibly supportive to others in the industry, especially championioning those from marginalised communities. A master of his craft, and also a really, really lovely person.
Alex, you are – and will always be – sorely missed.

Patrice is reading…
All Stories alumna, Kenechi Udogo’s debut, Augmented. What if making ourselves better makes us worse? A compelling speculative fiction YA brimming with forbidden romance and rebellion.

Rashmi is (also!) reading… Augmented by Kenechi Udogu
“I’ve been reading AUGMENTED by Kenechi Udogu, winner of the Faber Children’s Imagined Futures Prize. Out in June, it’s an original and gripping YA eco sci fi from an exciting new voice. Absolutely one to watch!”

Laura is reading… The Line They Drew Through Us by Hiba Noor Khan
I have a huge reading pile to work my way through over Easter. My first read will be The Line They Drew Through Us by Hiba Noor Khan. The story of three best friends, born on the same day in miraculous circumstances. It looks at how their lives are changed forever when the British announce Indian independence and draw lines of Partition that tear their lives apart.

Nina is reading…. The Persians by Sanam Mahloudji

01/04/2025

We can’t quite believe that we’re already posting our final workshop report of the programme…! A slightly postponed final workshop hosted by the brilliant Polly Ho-Yen at Barnstaple Library took place on Saturday!

The copy on our slides reads:

Barnstaple writing for children workshop with Polly Ho-Yen

“A great insight into the writing process. Loved it!”
“Loved learning about the start of the writing process bit - and how to generate ideas.”
- workshop attendees

“We were delighted to have been given the opportunity to host an All Stories writing workshop with children’s author Polly Ho-Yen. The attendees were buzzing with ideas and inspiration when they left the library.” - Lisa D’Alberti, librarian, Barnstaple Library

‘A wonderful and inspiring group at Barnstaple Library! Our main take away was - Go for it!’ - Polly Ho-Yen

24/03/2025

We’re so proud to see former mentee, Kenechi , take top billing in ’s latest June titles round up!

We can’t wait to see finished copies of Augmented, coming from , congratulations Kenechi!

05/03/2025

And that’s a wrap on our for this mentorship programme! Each month, we’ve discussed a book written and/or illustrated by a creator from an underrepresented group. To finish, we read the magical, adventure-filled Aziza’s Secret Fairy Door by Lola Morayo [ and ], illustrated by Cory Reid [], published by Macmillan [].

Our founder, director and mentor, Catherine Coe , led the discussion, which covered the power of fantasy worlds and escapism for the 5–8-year-old readership, the importance of representation in non-issue books and the ways that subtly woven themes can help readers navigate their lives.

Many thanks to all our brilliant mentors for each running a session, to the mentees for all your fantastic contributions to the discussions, to the creators of the wonderful books we’ve covered and the publishers who kindly donated or offered discounts on copies of the books.

03/03/2025

Many thanks to the brilliant Jasmine Richards , founder of Storymix , for speaking to the mentees last week.

It’s always a treat to hear from Jasmine, who spoke candidly about making a living as a writer, offering many insights and pieces of advice.

Thanks also to our mentees for some great questions!

28/02/2025

Our 15th workshop was held on the 8th Feb with Jane Elson !

The copy on our slides reads:

Ipswich Writing for children workshop with Jane Elson

‘Very comprehensive and interesting’
‘Informative and delivered brilliantly.’
‘A workshop with a fun and friendly feeling. I really felt more confident as a writer’
- workshop attendees

‘It was fantastic to host an All Stories workshop at Ipswich library. Jane is an excellent facilitator, and the participants were engaged and inspired throughout. It was a pleasure to see a diverse group of people bringing their creative energy to the library!’ - Ellen Clayton, librarian, Ipswich Library

‘The workshop was literally bubbling with the participants, imagination.
A joy to behold all those stories from under-represented writers just waiting to be told.’ - Jane Elson

27/02/2025

Our 14th introductory workshop took place on 1st Feb, at Crawley Library with our brilliant patron, !

The copy on our slides reads:

Crawley Writing for children workshop with Patrice Lawrence

‘Very informative, well structured and enjoyable.’
‘It was incredible - I am so inspired.’
‘Well planned and engaging workshop.’
- workshop attendees

“What an interesting workshop learning about how to write a children’s book. Patrice explored our writing skills using exercises and her own experiences which were both inspiring and practical”. - Justin Burns, librarian, Crawley Library

“A great venue with a welcoming group of emerging writers willing to have a go at anything I threw at them!” - Patrice Lawrence

Address

Tuly Street
Barnstaple
EX31 1EL

Website

https://linktr.ee/allstorieswrite

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