Take your fiction writing to the next level by joining award-winning YA author, Emma Smith-Barton for a creative, informative, and interactive workshop on writing fiction for young adults. Learn how to write an engaging opening to your story and how to create and introduce memorable and genuine characters.  

This is the second workshop in a series of free online taster sessions offered as part of the upcoming Representing Wales writer development programme. Find out more about Representing Wales and how to submit your application here.

The workshop will focus on writing your first chapter and will include writing exercises and creative prompts as well advice to emerging writers.  

You’ll come out of the workshop feeling inspired, and with a clearer idea of how to hook your young readers’ attention from the very first page. 

Members of the Literature Wales team will also be on-hand at the end of the workshop to answer your questions about the Representing Wales programme and the application process. 

Please note: You will have to register in advance for this workshop.  

Register here

Meet the Author: 

Emma Smith-Barton was born in South Wales to Pakistani parents. Growing up between cultures has heavily influenced her writing and she is especially interested in exploring themes of identity and belonging. Before writing, she taught in secondary schools for six years and is passionate about increasing awareness of mental health in young people. She studied English and Creative Writing (BA) at The University of Warwick and has an MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University. Her short stories have appeared in various publications such as Mslexia and The Bristol Short Story Prize 2016 anthology (under her pseudonym for adult fiction, Amna Khokher). ‘The Million Pieces of Neena Gill’ (Penguin Random House, 2019), Emma’s first novel for young adults, was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2020; the Branford Boase Award 2020; and the Romantic Novelists’ Association Debut Romantic Novel 2020