Events

School, library, bookshop events, and festivals are always great fun, and details of my T&Cs can be found below:

School Visits

Having worked in primary literacy, I love getting back into classrooms through author events and often travel throughout the UK.

I offer two types of author events.

OPTION ONE

I am more than happy to talk to pupils from nursery level up to primary 7. Mixing year groups isn’t a problem either.

I read from one of my award-winning picture books before answering any questions the children may have on writing/character structure, finding and working with an illustrator/publisher, what has inspired me to write, getting my books onto bookshelves, marketing, and life as an author.

My aim is to leave children inspired in their own reading and creative writing. With a background in primary literacy, where I assessed children from primaries one to seven who needed extra-curricular support then created and delivered individual learning plans to meet their specific needs, I can interact and communicate with children using curriculum language.

Nursery – My talks usually last 30 minutes. But the age range can impact on this greatly and if the children are slightly older and more engaged, I don’t mind if the event runs over. 

Primaries 1 to 7 –  The Q & A session is adaptable to suit the year groups. My events tend to last around 45 minutes. However, I can easily adapt to a timetable that suits you. Whether I talk to classes individually or as a lower/upper primary split is entirely up to you.

I leave fun activity sheets and bookmarks at the end of each event.

I would appreciate being able to make copies of my books available to purchase on the day.  I always discount them when selling through a school or library and I am more than happy to take the time to dedicate and sign each book.

 

OPTION TWO

Includes a creative writing lesson with visual presentation.

After reading from one of my award-winning picture books and answering questions, I move on to a creative writing lesson focused on building engaging characters.

Using my visual presentation (provided on a memory stick), I guide children through the process of developing characters that engage and excite. I find that once children truly understand their character, their creative writing takes on a whole new lease of life!

Then it’s their turn to put what they’ve learned into practice. Depending on their ability, they can:
🔹 Write a paragraph or two describing their character.
🔹 Write a sentence or two and draw their character.
🔹 Draw their character and add a few descriptive words.

 

What’s the cost!

This often includes travel expenses. But if I’m heading way across country, South of the border or taking a ferry to the islands, then I would have to add on traveling expenses. But I will often try and arrange other school visits in the surrounding areas or somewhere along my journey so these costs can be split. Or, if a school can guarantee a certain amount of book sales, these travel costs can often be waived.

I would appreciate being able to make copies of my books available to purchase on the day.  I always discount them when selling through a school or library and I am more than happy to take the time to dedicate and sign each book. And, again, I bring along a bookmark for every child.

 

 

Library Visits

I also do a limited number of charitable events each year, within libraries.

Libraries can choose whether this is a story telling with arts & crafts session out with school times or a story telling session followed by a Q & A/chat as mentioned above with visiting primary schools. 

Library visits are always fun, whether a public event or pupils visiting from a nearby school. I usually read one of my books and again answer any questions the children might have. If it’s a public event this is then followed by fairy colouring and crafts. However, if it’s a visiting school, I have colouring sheets and bookmarks that the children can take away.

If you would like more information or to book a library visit please contact me here.

 

Bookshop Events & Festivals

These events allow me to bring out the arts and crafts. Always relevant to the story, for instance, children have enjoyed making their own fairy wings, wands, and fairy finger puppets.

There are always colouring sheets with images from within the books, these are often a hit with the adults too.

All are enjoyed after story time fun.

 

If you are interested in an event, would like information on availability and fees, or more information on Event Ts&Cs please contact me here.