Solihull Arts Complex

Your World, Your Words, Your Way… 

Have a novel idea and need ideas on how to plot? Want help creating a bank of vivid short stories? Or maybe you’ve got something to say and want help finding your voice for persuasive non fiction pieces including speeches? Then again, maybe you’re thinking of starting your own sports blog, or a scripted podcast, or stage monologues! 

In this vibrant term-time, weekly rolling programme for Solihull writers aged 11-15 (secondary school KS3 year groups 7- 10) we’ll look at everything from how to crush at ideas, write fanfic / Wattpad stories that get hits, writing your own plots and scripts for murder mysteries, genre fiction (horror, fantasy, dystopian, crime, mystery, thriller, romance etc.), blog reviews and listicles (books, TV shows, films, attractions, games - whatever your personal interest area is) for print / online or even your own blog or podcast, short episodic storytelling, rap and songwriting, contemporary playwriting & monologues, journalism, persuasive non fiction, poetry (spoken word, and stories in verse too), journaling, personal stories, life writing, nature writing and more! 

All the while, we’ll build skills in using the five senses for show don’t tell, realistic dialogue, world building, setting, descriptive writing, characterisation, using tenses and editing. 

This 10 week rolling interactive and innovative term-time course promotes literacy and invaluable writing and English skills and will naturally improve vocabulary while offering fun challenges. 

The Solihull Teen Writers Academy is designed to inspire ideas, explore new skills and techniques, help you find your authentic voice, broaden horizons, boost wellbeing, unleash creativity and foster new friendships in a supportive, fun and totally inclusive environment. We can’t wait to welcome you to the group! 

HOW TO SECURE YOUR PLACE

• Book your place(s) via the ‘Book Tickets’ link on this webpage
• Complete a pre-course registration form for each participant – a link to which will be provided within your booking confirmation email

We cannot secure your place on the course until both of these steps have been completed.

Suitable for: ages 11-15, secondary school KS3 (year groups 7-10). All levels and abilities.  

What you need to bring: 

• We recommend A4 Silvine 80 page lined exercise books with margins so pages don’t come apart easily and so that children can keep their stories and writing organised* 
• A4 ringbinder 
• Blue or black pens, 1 or 2 coloured pens, sharpened pencils, a sharpener, eraser, colouring pencils / felt tips
• Laptops / electronic notebooks are allowed for writing and redrafting but supervised browsing suitable for under 15s will be monitored and strictly limited to course related tasks and research
• A water bottle to keep hydrated

Optional but helpful: Mini Thesaurus 

* Silvine 80 page lined books with margins can be purchased directly on the course at the first session for £3 each (cash only). 

Please note: With smaller group sizes, places are limited to 15 to ensure the best experience and early booking is advised. 

Course tutor, Wersha Bharadwa is an author, playwright, journalist and award-nominated writer with works featured in The Guardian, The Independent, Glamour Magazine and Cosmopolitan. She has lectured in journalism and creative writing at Birmingham City University and actively champions Solihull’s inclusive, vibrant and emerging writing community.