James Harris

Awards

• The Hachette Children's Novel Award

Organisations

• Writers' Block North East
• National Literacy Trust
• BFI Academy

Details

"From the first second of the workshop the kids were entranced. James knew how to talk to them, how to listen to them and how to incite their creativity - they didn't even notice how much they were learning by making monsters! It was a pure joy to watch." - York Literature Festival

Whether it's 100 kids in a woodland clearing (Just So Festival) or five in a lesiure centre (don't ask) the result is the same - unbridled inspiration, creativity, and a bit of mayhem. I am a passionate advocate for imagination and creativity, both as a career path and as an end in itself.

"If you want the school session to end all school sessions you MUST get James in!" - Lisette Auton, author of The Secret of Haven Point

I have a background in performing and workshop-leading - 10 years of theatre in education, a (mercifully) brief stint doing stand up, a dabble in TV writing (I wrote for Shooting Stars) plus 15 years of running various writing and acting workshops for children and adults.

I would love to visit your school and play a part in getting your kids hyped about reading and writing, and creativity in general.

"You inspired a new generation of authors on Tuesday, James. Thank you." - Levendale Primary School

​(Bear in mind that visits will additionally be charged travel expenses - I live in Middlesbrough and charge petrol at 45p a mile, or train tickets at cost)

​Also - I am fully DBS-checked so you don't even need to accompany me to the staff room.

"James Harris was an absolute blast! His humour, enthusiasm and energy inspired so many children, and many left with ambitions of being an author. I can't recommend enough!" - Jack Gardner. Arts Leader Hotspur Primary

Here's what I offer:

Half Day Visit

£200 (plus travel expenses)

I’ll do a 30 minute assembly about reading and writing, and why they are both mint, with a Powerpoint presentation packed with pictures of me and my sister as children in the 1970's, with moustaches drawn on us. I might do a song, unless you specifically ask me not to.

Then I’ll do one or two classroom workshops featuring Everyday Monsters, a collaborative session exploring the link between drawing and creative writing, done via the medium of MONSTERS. The workshop is designed so that even kids who habitually believe they "can't think of anything" will be fully engaged, and will produce a brand-new character. Each workshop will generally last about 45 - 60 mins, with the last 15 minutes devoted to a Q&A if you'd like.

​Then, if appropriate, I’ll do a book signing. (I don't carry copies of my own books, but many local bookshops will provide copies if you ask them)​

"You were a big hit with our children yesterday. Our y5 classes have made me promise to book you in for another visit next term!"  - Fairfield Primary School

"Another fantastic author event! The energy in the room was brilliant, and the pupils absolutely loved it. It was great to see how enthusiastic everyone was (staff and pupils alike!) and it was fab to see lots of creative monsters. It created a real spark and we had lots of smiley faces by the end of it." - Ian Ramsey CE Academy, Stockton

Full Day Visit

£300 (plus travel expenses)

​The same as a half day visit, but more so, with one or two assemblies, up to four collaborative monster-making workshops, then a signing.

​Of course, I'm negotiable on the details so do please ask if there's anything specifically you'd like me to cover. I am very good on creating characters, and easy story structure if you'd like a more in-depth workshop.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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