Hi, I’m Nikki Young, author of ‘The Mystery of the Disappearing Underpants’ and the ‘Time School’ series. I started Storymakers in 2017. My aim was to bring my experience as a writer, along with an enthusiasm for stories, to a setting that provided a creative space for children to flourish and learn.

I love reading and writing stories, but I’m fully aware that not all children feel as passionate about it as I do. Having met many children who are reluctant to write, I’ve been determined to change that.

Why I started Storymakers.

My motivation for creating Storymakers was to offer a setting where children could feel safe to write. Furthermore, perhaps they could overcome the barrier that prevents them from translating those awesome imaginations into words. Since setting up the club in 2017, I’ve gone from offering a few one-off workshops, to providing a full timetable of weekly termtime groups. In addition, I offer 1:1 tuition or bespoke sessions for private groups.

In March 2020, the club moved online and I was able to continue offering the same services, but on Zoom.

This meant that instead of needing to be within a reasonable distance of Sevenoaks, Kent, the club’s base, children could join me from anywhere in the UK or the world. I’m lucky to have worked with children in Europe, Africa and the USA. And as far as the groups are concerned, it’s been amazing for the children to connect with and learn from each other.

Changes since the Pandemic.

Once again, I offer in-person 1:1 and bespoke group sessions. I have, however, kept the weekly creative writing groups online, for the reasons given above. In addition to the groups, I work with children who are studying for 11+, pre-test and independent school exams, including CEM, GL and ISEB. In particular, I have a wealth of experience working with children for the English paper of the Sevenoaks School entrance exam at 11 plus.

Writing has always been my life. As a professional writer, I have experience in writing to inform, entertain, persuade and educate. To date, I am also the author of five novels. As such, I bring this firsthand experience to my work and it is the reason many people choose me to work with their children.

Feel free to take a look around and find out what’s on offer or you can contact me for more information.