Youth Creative Writing Workshop with Dr. Sandra A. Agard

Ready to unleash your creativity and develop your writing skills? Join us for an inspiring and interactive creative writing workshop led by the acclaimed author and storyteller, Dr. Sandra A. Agard.

This session is specially designed to help young people and youth develop strong writing habits, explore their imagination, and find their unique literary voice. Whether you are a beginner or already love writing, this workshop will give you the tools and inspiration you need to create your own stories and poems.

Participants will be able to choose from two exciting creative paths:

Option 1: Taking a Word for a Walk – “House”:

“A House full of loud noises, Rich smells, Painful tears and side-splitting laughter…” Inspired by the opening lines of Dr. Agard’s poem, A House, this workshop invites you to dive into your own memories. Can you write a poem or a short story about a house that is truly memorable to you?

Option 2: Play the Word Game – “Lucky Dip”: Get your creative juices flowing! In this activity, you will use a variety of fun, unexpected writing prompts and props to guide your flow and build a unique poem or short story on the spot.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to learn directly from one of the UK’s finest literary voices!

Event Information: 100% Free (Registration required as spaces are limited). Book Here!

Who is it for?: Young people and youth interested in reading, writing, and storytelling. What to bring: Just your imagination! (Writing materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your favorite notebook). Secure your spot today and start your writing journey!

Dr. Sandra A. Agard Hon FRSLDr is a professional storyteller, author, poet, playwright, literature consultant, and cultural historian. With over fifty years of experience working in educational and cultural institutions, organizations, and libraries, she has performed at major festivals across both the UK and the US. Her remarkable contributions to literature include: ‘Harriet Tubman: A Journey to Freedom’ (2019); and her latest book ‘The Drum Maker and the Aziza’, currently featured in the British Library’s Fairytales exhibition.  Dr Sandra is Honorary Fellow of The Royal Society of Literature, receiving the prestigious RSL’s Benson Medal for Services to Literature (2022); and Honorary Doctorate recipient from Middlesex University (2025) for her lifetime achievements. She is Learning Facilitator for Schools at the British Library, where she also co-curated the renowned Malorie Blackman exhibition: ‘The Power of Stories’. Dr Sandra is currently working on an upcoming book about the composer Samuel Coleridge Taylor, a YA fantasy novel, and a poetry anthology with the Kitchen Alumni Collective.

This event is a part of the Literary Festival 2026: Bermondsey & Beyond, in partnership with Big Local Works. This initiative is a proud element of Made in Bermondsey, a community-led movement dedicated to celebrating our local culture, identity, and the incredible talent found right here in SE16. It’s all about creating spaces where our stories can be told and our creativity can thrive together.