Ian runs workshops at schools, universities, writer groups and book festivals. These include sessions on creative writing, science fiction and fantasy, as well as local history. Making up imaginary lands (world building) and fantasy creatures are among his popular topics. For adult writers, he covers writing for children and YA and other literary skills. Ian believes we learn best when we're having fun. His workshops have an emphasis on games, quizzes and group work. Through Nottingham Writer's Studio and Writing East Midlands Ian mentors emerging writers. In 2019, Ian was a guest of honour at the Malta's 'Literacy Stars Festival'. In 2021 his fiction the Gravity Award.
Ian's SF novel 'The Infinity Trap,' set on Mars, launched the Zeke Hailey book series. The fifth and final book in the saga, The Paradox War is due out late 2021. He offers schools visits with readings, weird Martian facts, astronomy and a big dollop of creative writing! In 2020 The Infinity Trap won the best International Children's Book in the Eyelands Award. Find out more about the books at zekehailey.com
Ian is author of the 'Children's History of Nottinghamshire', and visits schools/libraries with the History Roadshow, a lively mix of slideshows, quizzes, readings, games and creative activities.
He is the scribe behind the Snowpo The Bear, an early reader app on itunes. He is also a story writer at Eduland, reaching an audience of up to two million children in China. Notts TV kindly invite Ian on regularly to talk about 'books and Notts'.
He is a prolific short story writer. Some have won prizes and he was a finalist in the Independent On Sunday travel writing competition. His radio play 'Long Shadows' was broadcast in Canada. Ian has written for the press for many years and is a reviewer with Nottingham's award-winning Left Lion paper. Ian has a MA in Creative Writing (Distinction).
Ian taught English language for 11 years.
Please feel very welcome to contact Ian through this site to discuss your ideas about an author visit.
Some of the comments on the History Roadshow...
"Thank you for such a lovely morning . The children really enjoyed you lesson and have been talking about it ever since." Year 7 teacher, Notts.
Ian Douglas was a great addition to our activities offered on world book day. He was a pleasure to work with, the children were really inspired by his workshop and they have gone on to produce some fantastic independent writing! I would highly recommend booking Ian for an author visit to engage and inspire your children through work with an experienced author.