Our blogs

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

12 July 2025

Posted by Susan L. Edser

Showtime!

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


The last session of the academic year meant one thing: SHOWTIME! The children and young people had been working hard all term to hone their writing, build their confidence and make new friends. Ali and I have loved seeing them grow before our eyes, literally (as they became taller) and figuratively (as they developed their skills and abilities).

The morning began with the final preparations for the Junior Writers. Ali ran through the Frankenstory order, and each child practised speaking into the microphone. They also read out a segment of their own work that they were going to present. Family members waited patiently as we made our final adjustments to ensure our Junior Writers could give their best performance possible.

For the next 45 minutes, we were delighted by each reading, showcasing the efforts of our brilliant writers. Their families even had a go at Fill in Fun, which was then presented by the children (and a mum!). I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.

A quick turnaround (read: a swig of coffee and one bite of chocolate), and the Young Writers arrived. Ali guided them so that each person had time to practice Frankenstory and the story or poem they were going to perform. I worked in the background, correcting names on the PowerPoint, adding story titles, and encouraging the wonderful Young Writers. 

The family members arrived, and the group rose to the occasion. They not only read their work, but also performed it with a sense of confidence that made us proud. The photos say more than I could, so do scroll through them.

To all the writers reading this blog, thank you for being part of the ArtfulScribe journey and have a wonderful Summer. For the parents reading, thank you for your support, and please nurture your talented writers. Until September…

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?