The Path to Writing
The Path to Writing includes workshops to awaken your inner voice.
Every writer’s journey begins with a spark—a whisper of story waiting to be heard.
Through our workshops, we nurture that spark into expression: in classrooms where ideas take root, in online spaces where imagination flows freely, and in circles of lifelong learners who continue to shape their craft. Wherever you are, the path invites you to listen, create, and let your words become light.
In-school workshops across the Scottish Borders.
Plant the love of language early. Our classroom sessions nurture creativity, confidence, and curiosity, helping young writers discover the stories only they can tell.
Online workshops for writers everywhere.
Join an inspiring storytelling journey from the comfort of home. Guided, downloadable workshops to help you find your rhythm, your voice, your flow.
Adult writing workshops for lifelong learners.
For those who never stop growing. These sessions invite reflection, imagination, and skill, reconnecting you with the wonder of words and the joy of creative discovery.
Reviews
Derek & Julie’s session with my Advanced Higher English class was excellent. The professional insight that they were able to share about their craft has given us a lot to think about. Their relaxed, engaging style of presenting was pitched perfectly. I’m looking forward to seeing where my students take their creative writing next!
Derek Huffman, Lead Specialist in Pedagogy & English Teacher, Berwickshire High School
Derek and Julie’s session helped me focus on subconscious levels of writing that are not normally thought about. Such as the conflicting/contrasting types of characters, and additionally, how these characters grow throughout your piece of writing. The workshop helped teach me the different types of arcs and how to implement them into my writing. The session was a relaxed group which helped us all speak our mind comfortably and share our ideas. I found it really helpful and engaging
S6 Advanced Higher English Student, Eyemouth High School
Derek and Julie approached their writing session with such a gentle and encouraging manner that it was impossible for our pupils not to engage and flourish in writing. They have a great dynamic together that brought a lot of enrichment to the experience. We feel fortunate to have had them work with our pupils and would love to have them back any time.
Luke Dalrymple, English Teacher, Earlston High School
The advice given to the class, as an Advanced Higher English student, was very practical in terms of teaching us how to edit, structure and produce a piece of writing. It was particularly useful as we are currently learning how to produce works in different genres and styles of literature. I felt the workshop as a whole was very helpful and informative in helping me write and structure my folio pieces this year.
S6 Advanced Higher English Student, Earlston High School
Absolutely fantastic presenters to have in school. The pupils [at Earlston High School] were very engaged, and it was great to hear how a love of writing can be transformed into a career. Highly Recommend and we hope to have Derek and Julia back in future.
Amy Hamilton, DYW Coordinator, Scottish Borders
We talked about the various stages of the writing process, all the way from the initial idea through to characterisation, setting, tone, symbolism, and genre. It was inspiring to hear from professionals in the industry who also gave us an insight into writing as a career and the various publishing options for those who may wish to take their writing journey beyond school.