Available for
Commission, Educational, General enquiry, Interview, Reading, Talk, WorkshopAudiences
Age 5 to 7, Age 7 to 11Genres
Adventure, Drama, Fairy tale, Fantasy, Fiction, Fiction narrative, Folklore, Historical fiction, Horror, Magical realism, Mystery, Narrative, Short story, Suspense-thrillerBook types
Fiction for childrenAwards
- Shortlisted for the NDLA Flicker Tale Award 2011 (Winter Shadow)
- Junior Library Guild Selection Autumn 2012 (Finn At Clee Point)
- Shortlisted for The Manchester Fiction Prize 2013
Details
I have taught in primary schools for over 20 years. My first novel, 'Winter Shadow', was published by Barefoot Books. My second, 'The Court Painter's Apprentice', was published by Catnip Publishing in 2012 and a third, 'Finn At Clee Point', is now published with Barefoot Books.
I love visiting other primary schools to run enthusiastic, active, fun days for pupils from year 3 to 6. I often use drama sessions to develop reading skills such as inference and understanding of character or to encourage creativity in fiction writing. Sessions can include opportunities to improve writing skills such as writing in role or character development. I have 'ready-made' sessions based on my own books but am happy to design projects / day sessions to suit an individual school's needs.
Recent examples include: helping children to plan, write and improve extended stories and publish them in hand-made books; using film clips to develop an understanding of writing techniques for suspense stories; developing a quest story together (author / pupils) over a few days. As a practising year 6 teacher I have in-depth experience of current curriculum requirements. I have worked with groups to develop 'writing at greater depth' projects, including a six-week project working with some talented year 6 writers to help them write and edit a short novel each. The school involved has since self-published the novels in an anthology. I can also incorporate working with iPads to enhance drama sessions and develop creative writing skills.
Books
978-1846861154
Winter Shadow
Maria lives with her grandfather in a small mountain village in the snowy north. One winter morning, she spots a small grey bundle lying under a tree, half-covered in snow - a wolf cub. What should she do?
The Court Painter's Apprentice
'Paint what you see, Johann; not what you think you see.' This is the advice that Hugo, master portrait painter, gives to his protege, Johann. But Johann's talent for painting the truth runs deeper than anyone can ever imagine.
Finn At Clee Point
When Finn befriends the Finer family, outsiders in a close-knit fishing village, the bonds of friendship and loyalty are tested. Finn learns something about the hidden past of the village and has to make a difficult decision.