If you want to tell your pupils about coal mining, wouldn't the best thing be to find a miner to talk to them? So if you want to enthuse them about reading and writing, why not invite a writer?

 

What do I offer? 

  • Author talks
  • Creative writing workshops
  • Sessions for sixth formers on how to write better essays

For more information about all of these, click here.

I taught English for many years, and have recently been working with students at Exeter University on their essay writing skills. I've also worked with young offenders, an experience which fed very directly into the writing of The Willow Man.

 

How much does it cost?

My charges are in line with the rate recommended by the Society of Authors; please contact me for more details. I live in Somerset.

 

Is a visit useful?Is it FUN?

See below for feedback...

Feedback

 

From teachers…

 

'The feedback from the day (children and adults) was brilliant. Warrior King is already doing the rounds in the classroom and proving to be very popular!'

Peter Hoyland, Dunster School

 

 

'Many thanks for your very informative presentation with the children yesterday. The kids really enjoyed it - I had a lot of positive feedback from the kids at lunch time.'

Chris Perret, Oakfield School, Frome

 

 

'… I would like to say a massive thank you for coming into Norton Hill. The kids really did get so much from hearing you speak. It made them realise that published authors are actually real people!! …I've rarely seen that Year 8 class quite so fascinated and engaged!'

Juliet Reid, Norton Hill School

 

 

From children…

 

'I think that her visit has inspired many people to start writing now in our class!'

H.

 

'It was really awesome for Sue Purkiss to visit Broadlands, she explained and showed why and how she writes her books.'

L.

 

'I thought it was fantastic to have an author in school. All of her ideas of how to write a book have given me inspiration to write one myself now.'

Anon

 

'I think her visit helped when she showed us her draft of The Willow Man as I didn't realise authors had to draft too!'

M.

 

'I liked listening to you and you have inspired me. I have written a poem and Miss Reid read it and she liked it. So maybe one day I'll be a poet. Once again thank you so much and it was nice meeting you.'

A.

 

'Thanks for coming in, I think you described the structure of the book very well even I get it now!!!'

R.

 

'I thought The Willow Man was a really good book and the part I liked best was when Ash ran away because that's when the tension starts building.'

 

'Asante - thank you!' - from Allfat and Brighty