School Visits

I've done quite a few of these over the last few months and very enjoyable they have been too. The whole point of the session is to get everyone thinking about storytelling, how to build ideas and turn them into tales. There's a chance to join in with some acting and the event's made to include as much pupil participation  as possible. The feedback from schools has been great, so if you would like to find out what it's like to be a writer, pick up a few tips and get in touch with your inner Templar, drop me an email and I'll see what I can do.

Main Presentation takes about 50 minutes and it's aimed at the Year 7-10's. It's roughly broken down into the following:

1. I talk a bit about me and my book, then we'll discuss what's hot and what's not in the big heady world of publishing, especially interesting if there are any budding JK Rowlings or Stephenie Meyers out there.

2. I read a bit of Devil's Kiss, to give the pupils a flavour of the world the book's set in. It's a modern day gothic horror story, so be warned. 

3. We'll talk about who the characters are, what they want and the pupils will brainstorm how they would resolve the story if it was up to them. We use this time to build characters and understand motivation and conflict within story telling.

4. We''ll put up the best ideas and use it to create a scene, one with tension, drama, maybe even a few laughs. Then some of the pupils will get their chance to act the scene out to the wonderment and applause of their fellow pupils.

5. I will read out how I resolved the scene, and we'll have a chance to compare notes. I've found the pupils' resolution is usually a lot more violent than mine!

6. We wrap up with a questions and answers and a book signing. 

I've done this with groups ranging from 30 to almost 400, so it works well for bigger audiences. Props are minimal and all I need is a whiteboard or large pad so the people at the back can read what's going on.