You'll hear how (and why) Nicola taught herself to write and the steps she took to get her first novel published. She'll unpick the creative process, share quick ways to generate ideas using free-writing sprints, and show how your ideas can be structured into stories with characters that pop off the page. Bring along a story you've begun or start something new.

An opportunity to meet other writers and become part of the Young Writers Collective community! All levels of experience and confidence welcome. Mentors will provide support to help fire your imagination.

Led by young writers, for young writers, Young Writers Collective is a project managed by Little Green Pig. Members join together to express themselves how they choose to: poetry, journalism, zines, spoken word and more. We believe that writing is powerful, fun and that we all have the right to write! Workshops and anthologies are supported by Focus Foundation.

Nicola Garrard is a YA author, teacher and Writer in Residence at First Story. Her novel, 29 was followed by acclaimed sequel, 21 Miles. Her latest YA/Crossover novel, On the Edge was nominated for the Carnegie Medal. Her fiction is driven by a commitment to social justice, youth empowerment and giving voice to the unheard.

• Snacks provided to fuel your writing!

• You'll receive a YWC notebook to take home with you

• Pens and paper will be provided. Bring along a digital writing device with you if you prefer to write that way.

• Travel expenses to attend the workshop will be covered (if travelling within Sussex)

• The venue is fully wheelchair accessible