Writing for Children's Books

Ages: 18+
Term: Summer
Length: 10 weeks

Overview

Unlock the magic of middle-grade fiction, where adventure meets heart, and create stories young readers won’t be able to put down.

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Course information

Focusing on both creativity and technique, this course introduces the key elements of writing compelling middle-grade fiction. You’ll explore how to balance adventure with emotional depth, develop authentic characters, and shape engaging narratives that reflect the experiences and perspectives of young readers.

This engaging course is your passport to writing for readers aged 8–12, exploring the exciting world of middle-grade fiction, with a brief look at chapter books and young adult writing. Whether you’re looking to recapture the magic of your own childhood reading, develop a story idea, or transition from writing for adults to children, this course offers the perfect starting point.

Through a combination of guided writing exercises, tutor feedback, and analysis of successful middle-grade fiction, you’ll reconnect with your creativity, discover your voice, and begin crafting stories that resonate with younger audiences.

Please note: picture books and comics are not covered in this course.

Understanding the mindset and emotional world of middle-grade readers
Exploring themes appropriate for ages 8–12, including friendship, family, belonging, and courage
Structuring stories using the three-act structure and elements of the Hero’s Journey
Balancing fun, adventure, and emotional resonance
Writing authentic dialogue and capturing how young people communicate
Developing tone, voice, and age-appropriate language
Building believable settings across real-world and fantasy contexts
Avoiding common pitfalls in children’s writing
An introduction to the publishing landscape, including agents, pitching and formatting
Opportunities to develop your own work through writing exercises and feedback

At the end of the course you'll:

Have a strong understanding of the conventions of middle-grade fiction
Be able to create engaging plots and compelling protagonists for young readers
Demonstrate improved skills in structure, pacing, and storytelling techniques
Write with greater confidence, authenticity, and age-appropriate voice
Have developed original work suitable for a middle-grade audience
Feel prepared to continue your writing journey or take first steps towards publication

All students with 100% course attendance will be issued with an official AUB Short Course certificate of attendance. To request your certificate, email the team at academy@aub.ac.uk.

Will I be assessed?

No, there's no formal assessment. As the course progresses, your tutor will measure your overall performance and offer essential guidance and feedback so you know how you're getting on.

What you need to know

Summer term 2027

Wednesday 7 April – 9 June 2027 (10 Wednesday evenings, 18.00–21.00)

Age

Suitable for adults aged 18+.

Level

Beginners or anyone with some experience who wants to refresh or develop their skills further.

Experience or qualifications required

No prior experience is necessary. A genuine interest in storytelling, reading, or children’s literature is ideal. Simply bring your energy, enthusiasm, and a passion for creating stories that young minds will love.

If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: academy@aub.ac.uk or 01202 363222.

£375 

Any additional costs 

There are no additional costs for this course.

Any additional materials and resources will be provided by AUB and is included in your course fee.

A laptop or notebook for notes and drafting your stories.

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Suggested Suppliers

Information about resourcing specialist materials/consumables that you may need to bring these with you

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Meet your tutor

Christine Aziz

Christine Aziz has been writing stories ever since she was a child and hasn’t stopped since...

Book your place today

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Beyond the course

This could just be the start of your creative journey! After this course, you could further your writing skills with another short course or look to the future and explore our creative qualifications that can prepare you to further your current career, enable you to retrain to an alternative career path or prepare you for future creative arts studies.