Spark Young Writers - Writing West Mids

07/10/2026

Spark Young Writers is BACK and in full swing! Here's a glimpse at what our young writers have been up to in their first sessions back.💛💛

This year, we are hosting groups in 16 locations, plus 3 online groups, with both Junior and Teen options available.

Bookings are still open for most of the groups! Book your place via our website, taster sessions available.🌻

01/10/2026

It’s National Poetry Day and what better day to announce the appointment of Hala Qamar as the new Young Poet Laureate for the city of Birmingham 2026-28!

Hala Qamar is a British-Pakistani writer from Birmingham who loves writing fiction and poetry. Her work has previously been featured on Young Poets’ Network. Outside of writing, she enjoys photography and reading.

We are really looking forward to working with Hala over the coming two years and seeing her champion poetry for young people across the city.

We’ll be hosting an inauguration event as part of Birmingham Literature Festival on Sunday 11th October at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, featuring poetry performed by Hala and Bradley Taylor, our newly appointed Poet Laureate, as well as from our outgoing Poets Laureate, Ayan Ayden and Japmeh Kaur Gujral. This event is sponsored by Birmingham City University.

Come and join us for this special event, one of many fantastic poetry events taking place across the day. Visit birminghamliteraturefestival.org to book.

03/09/2026

It’s here! The Spark Young Writers Anthology 2026 is officially OUT NOW! 🔥📚

Bursting with bold ideas, moving poems and brilliant stories from young voices across the region, this collection is a true celebration of our Young Writers' imagination and creativity.

A huge thank you to for editing the anthology so beautifully, and to all our amazing Lead and Assistant writers who guide the Spark Young Writers groups – the very spaces where many of these pieces were born💛

Congratulations to all the young writers published. We’re so proud of you! 💫

Sunflowers is available on Amazon in paperback and e-book now. Link in bio

12/08/2026

Spark Young Writers is seeking an Assistant Writer in Walsall!

As an Assistant Writer, you will work closely with a professional author, poet, or scriptwriter to deliver a two hour workshop once a month. You’ll have the opportunity to develop your own skills, whether that is as a writer, educator, or in organisation and leadership.

The role would best suit someone who is very positive, patient, and enjoys working with young people to develop their creativity. You might be a aspiring writer yourself, or just interested in giving back to the creative community local to you.

Apply now via our website: https://www.sparkwriters.org/volunteer-with-us/

Please note: this is a voluntary role, though expenses are covered

20/07/2026

Interested in applying to be Birmingham's next Young Poet Laureate? Hear what our current Laureate, Japmeh (2024-6), has to say about her two years in-post.

The deadline for applications is Friday 31st July 2026 at 11:59pm.

01/07/2026

For Young Writers based in Worcester, why not try a FREE summer taster session of our Spark Young Writers Group, led by the always fantastic Ken Preston

Get creative, and get writing over summer!

FREE fun creative writing workshop for ages 8-12 at Worcester St John's Library. Explore stories, build skills, make friends!

Let your imagination run wild at our Spark Young Writers Creative Writing Workshop! Designed especially for young people aged 8–12, this friendly and inspiring session is a chance to dive into storytelling, try out new writing styles, and explore just where your imagination can take you.

Led by local writer Ken Preston, this workshop encourages creativity, builds confidence, and supports young writers as they discover new skills and make new friends in a relaxed, supportive environmen

24/06/2026

We are so lucky that the fabulous Andrea Mbarushimana, Birmingham Library Lead Writer and Coventry Poet Laureate, has shared with us a beautiful poem full of advice for young writers.

Remember: without mistakes, nothing worth reading was ever written.

16/06/2026

This month, we're turning the spotlight on one of our very talented Spark Lead Writers. Meet Nathan Lunt who leads one of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens Spark Groups!

The Spark Young Writers Programme offers a fun space for young people (aged 8-18) to explore their creativity and grow as writers. Our groups meet once a month in locations across the West Midlands and online.

Head to our www.sparkwriters.org to find out more and get involved!

03/06/2026

Aged 8-18 and love writing stories, poems and more? Spark Young Writers run creative writing groups across the West Midlands, offering the chance to explore writing in all forms, have fun with words and make friends! Each group is led by a professional writer and an assistant writer and meets once a month, for two hours on a Saturday, throughout the school year. You can book a taster session for £10. Bursaries are available.

For more information and to book visit sparkwriters.org

Videography by

Shared with permission from participating young writers and their parents/guardians.

02/06/2026

Bookings are now open for Spark Young Writers Groups starting September 2026!

✍️Led by professional local writers, sessions are designed to be fun, engaging and give young people a dedicated space to write creatively, with free bursary places available for those that need them.

📍This year, we are hosting groups in 16 locations, plus 3 online groups, with both Junior and Teen options available.

Spaces are limited – book yours via sparkwriters.org