Storylines is delighted to present an afternoon of creativity, imagination and inspiration at our Story Sparks Writing and Illustration Workshops as part of the Storylines Tāmaki Makaurau/ Auckland Story Tour.
This special event offers young writers and young illustrators (Yr4 – Yr8) the chance to learn directly from some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most talented authors and illustrators.
📅 Date: Saturday 31 October 2026
🕐 Duration: 1.5 hours
📍 Venue: Michaels Avenue Community Centre, 12 Elwood Place, Ellerslie, Auckland
💲 Cost: $10
⏰ 10am – 11.30am
Join us for a morning filled with hands-on workshops, new skills and plenty of inspiration to spark your next great story or artist.
Writing for Fun!
Get your imagination buzzing with a range of fun, creative writing activities designed to spark ideas, explore possibilities and bring your stories to life!
📝 Students to bring: paper and pen
Assemble the Ensemble
Assemble the EnsembleIn this fun, creative plot planning workshop, students will become the casting directors of their own story! They’ll assemble a cast of characters, imagining their personalities, quirks, roles, relationships, and how they can create an exciting narrative for these characters to star in. Participants will be inspired to start writing as soon as they can!
📝 Students to bring: paper and pen
Behind the Book Cover: From First Sketch to Finished Design
Ever wondered how a book cover comes to life? Discover the creative process behind designing a cover, from the first ideas and rough sketches to the finished artwork. Explore examples, rejected drawings and the decisions that help bring a book’s story to life through its cover. Then it’s your turn! Put your creativity to the test by designing your own book cover for a story you’ve written or a favourite book.
📝 Students to bring: writing/ drawing pad/ notebook and pen/ pencils
Character Building: Bring Your Characters to Life
Bring Your Characters to LifeDiscover how to create memorable characters with unique personalities, motivations and quirks. Explore creative techniques to develop characters that leap off the page and bring your stories to life!
📝 Students to bring: Paper and pen
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity!
Whether you love writing or drawing, these workshops will help you grow your skills, meet other creative tamariki and rangatahi, and learn from inspiring mentors.
👉 Complete the form below to register your place.
What to bring: Water bottle, snacks, and something to write on (pen/paper or device). Illustration attendees should bring their favourite illustration tools (which can be pen/pencils or a device)
Lift Another Voice – Sponsor a Seat
Help open the door for a young storyteller. By sponsoring a seat, you can purchase a ticket that enables a child from a local school – where the workshop is being held – to attend and take part. Your support gives them the chance to explore their creativity, build confidence and experience the joy of storytelling alongside others. It’s a simple act that can spark a lifelong love of reading, writing or illustrating.
Pay it forward and help lift another voice!
Sponsor a Workshop. Inspire Young Creators.
Are you a children’s publisher, community organisation, business or writing group looking to make a real impact?
For just $300, you can sponsor an entire Storylines Story Sparks Workshop – giving tamariki and rangatahi the opportunity to learn from leading Aotearoa New Zealand authors and illustrators. ✍️🎨📚
Your support helps remove barriers, sparks creativity, and encourages the next generation of storytellers.
💛 Help fill every seat with imagination and opportunity.
Interested in becoming a workshop sponsor? Get in touch today!