Our blogs

Regular news and insight from our many poets, writers, educators and facilitators

24 May 2025

Posted by Susan L. Edser

Room 101

Ali Sparkes is a children’s author who leads writing sessions for Junior and Young Writers every Saturday morning at MAST Mayflower Studios. To learn more about her, visit her website: https://www.alisparkes.com and click on her profile: https://artfulscribe.co.uk/facilitators/ali-sparkes

Susan L. Edser, MA graduate in Creative Writing and Publishing and winner of Bournemouth University’s prestigious Vice Chancellor Award 2024, is Ali’s assistant and writes the weekly blog. To learn more about her, click on her profile: https://artfulscribe.co.uk/facilitators/susan-l-edser


Ali asked the writers to think of their three least favourite things they would like to discard, in the spirit of ‘Room 101’ from George Orwell’s novel,1984. Room 101 is the ultimate torture chamber, a place where individuals are forced to confront their deepest fears and phobias. 

The writers began by sharing their pet hates, which sparked lively discussions amongst both groups. They then had to write a persuasive argument about why the thing they disliked should be banished to the Room of No Return / Room 101.

The Junior Writers came up with mean classmates, like Caleb; needles because they are painful when they prick you; and violence, including the horrible girl at school, chopping trees unnecessarily and the war in Ukraine.

The Young Writers shared their most detested things and then voted on the topic they wanted each writer to focus on. This included homework, Elf on the shelf, and McDonald’s paper straws.

Ali considered all the points, the children and young people added their opinions, and then Ali made the final decision. The ones that successfully entered Room 101 were thoughtfully argued, such as cat murderers, Mondays and even Room 101 itself.

The ‘Writers of the Week’ were Poppy from the Junior Writers, for her impassioned argument on the pitfalls of stereotyping. Issy won from the Young Writers group for her chilling and persuasive points about Elf on the Shelf. A very well done to them both.

The question has to be… what or who would be in your Room 101 and why?

Previous

Archive

Back to blog

What's on

Find out more

Our projects

Find out more

Our films

Watch now

Headlight Press

Find out more

Latest news

28 May 2025

Inclusivity Statement

At ArtfulScribe, we are committed to offering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for everyone. We believe in the power of writing to offer connection,...

Read more

Our blogs

Regular news and insight from our many poets, writers, educators and facilitators

Find out more

Resources


Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the New Forest

Why not get in touch?