I write picture books, early readers and novels for children of primary school age. Million-selling 'You Choose' is probably my best known picture book, while the Winnie the Witch storybooks (written under the name of Laura Owen) are my most popular early readers, and 'The Great Sea Dragon Discovery' perhaps my best known children's novel.
I am very happy to visit schools. I often talk to each year in a primary school (from nursery up to year 6) about stories and where ideas come from and how books are made, whilst sharing some of my books with the children. Sometimes I take perhaps just one year group and we workshop ideas into a new story. I have done longer projects, sustained over several visits, and some specialised workshops (for example, I did one with dyslexic children for the Quentin Blake Award project with disabled children). I'm very happy to adapt to the needs of the school. If you want, I can bring copies of my books to sell and sign, so long as I can get to you by car.
Do feel free to contact me and ask questions about possible visits without feeling that you are then obliged to book me! I charge £375 for a full day, £250 for a half day. If I travel outside my home county of Cambridgeshire I charge travel (either 45p per mile if driving, or train costs). Travelling a long way may involve paying for an overnight stay.
I teach adults wanting to write for children, teaching one online course for Cambridge University's Institute for Continuing Education on writing for children, and an online course for Writers' Workshop for those wanting to concentrate on writing picture books.
I have written on commission as well as writing to order for numerous children's book publishers, and am always interested in being given a writing challenge!
Fantastic event and would definitely recommend.