Name: X Marks the Story: YA Creative Writing Class with Maps, History, and Spies
Start: 2026-02-10T16:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-02-10T18:30:00+00:00
Location: American Library

X Marks the Story: YA Creative Writing Class with Maps, History, and Spies

Writers age 13-18 are invited to a historical fiction class with special access to archives of author Mal Peet & the Second Air Division!
About this Event

Love reading historical fiction? Always wondered how writers research their ideas? Interested in writing your own story? Join us for an exciting creative writing workshop where you'll learn about archival research, creative writing, and World War 2 history.

Helen Busby, archivist at the UEA Library, will teach you about author Mal Peet and his thrilling young adult novel Tamar, which was inspired by the true story of silk codes used by a Dutch spy during World War 2. Then, you will get a chance to see real silk maps and items from the 2nd Air Division Archive to inspire a new story. Writer Lauren Cortese will lead you in fun creative games to help you craft historical fiction all your own!

There is no writing experience necessary to join this class. Students at all levels of reading and writing are welcome. You do not need to have read Tamar or any other books by Mal Peet for this workshop, but we do have plenty available at the Norfolk Libraries if you're interested!

This workshop is free to attend but booking is required. Ages 13-18 only are welcome.