Contact us

We welcome your questions, comments and feedback.

Hunter Valley Writers

Ironbark Retreat
Limeburners Creek, NSW 2324
Monday – Friday, 10 am – 4 pm


For questions about our courses, please contact us at [email protected].


Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our Young Authors Online Club.

Our online program consists of 8 weekly Zoom sessions, each based around a different theme.

PLUS Each week, kids receive access to the next lesson, where they can watch a new video presentation by author Karen Hughes, complete the exercises, and take the Story Challenge. Each video presentation is around 10-15 minutes in length and covers a different aspect of creative writing.

The lessons contain a variety of resources, including novel excerpts, descriptive passages, and plenty of fun writing exercises. Topics include: Finding Inspiration, Plotting and Planning, Character Development, Building Fictional Worlds, Voice and Perspective, Language and Grammar Techniques, and Exploring Different Genres.

On completion of the video and the various activities each week, kids are encouraged to take Karen’s Story Challenge. They’ll get to chat with Karen on Zoom every week, and they’ll be encouraged to submit their stories by the end of the year for publication on the website and in our annual paperback anthology.

Create your account by clicking the Register Now button. Make your payment online and then Login to begin the course. You’ll get a welcome email with all the details and your Zoom link. If you have any issues, contact us at [email protected].

Kids become part of our exclusive online club and can message each other and Karen on the Discussion Board or by posting in the Clubhouse. During the weekly Zoom sessions, Karen will share all kinds of writing tips and give every child personalised feedback on their writing. Our aim is that students will leave the program with improved writing skills, increased confidence, and an enduring love of language.

Contact us on [email protected].

Young Authors Club is only $97 per term for 8 weekly one-hour Zoom sessions and VIP access to all our writing resources.

  • Absolutely loving it!

    Mali is 13 and he’s currently doing the Talented Kids program with Karen Hughes … He’s actually just signed up for the program for the third time. He’s loved it so much and got so much out of it. He’s absolutely loving writing every single week and seeing his writing develop and improve …
    Jo Wise
    Melbourne, VIC

Start your writing journey today!

Try exciting writing challenges, learn new tips and techniques, and have lots of fun exploring all kinds of different worlds. Submit your stories for publication in our annual paperback anthology!