Did you know Exeter Custom House is also a hub for young writers? There are lots of ways you can get involved. Our Trading Places Flash Fiction Competition for ages 10-18 is open now, and we’ve recently extended the deadline to Sunday 27th March.  Winning entries will be published in a book celebrating new writing from Quay Words. 

Filippo Rossi, one of our winners from last year told us what it meant to him and how he felt, seeing his words in print in the Quay Voices anthology:  

‘The Quay Voices anthology was the first time I have been published, and to have an in-person ceremony with Michael Morpurgo was amazing – and surreal! Winning the competition has boosted my confidence and shown me that there is a space for me as a writer.’ 

Quay Words also offers immersive creative writing workshops for primary schools at Exeter Custom House, led by professional writers. We were recently visited by 60 Year 4 pupils from Marine Academy, Plymouth who spent the day writing and exploring the Custom House and Quayside 

‘Thank you for a wonderful day!… [It was great to] give the children the opportunity to write creatively with no constraints’ Year 4 Teacher.  

Further information, details of available dates for school visits, and an amazing free schools’ resource for creative writing on Exeter Quayside can all be found here.  

We also run free creative professional development sessions for teachers and writers on teaching creative writing to school children. Are you interested in building your practice? Our next session is on 17th March and you can book here.