Kirsty Riddiford
Children's author
http://www.kirstyriddifordbooks.com kariddiford@gmail.com 0208 780 2005
Available for
Interview, Talk, WorkshopAudiences
Age 7 to 11, Age 11 to 14Genres
Adventure, FantasyBook types
Fiction for childrenOrganisations
- Member of Society of Authors and Children's Writers & Illustrators Group (CWIG).
Details
Currently taking bookings for the week of World Book Day 2019 (also available throughout the year!)
I'm an enthusiastic speaker available for assembly talks and classroom workshops aimed primarily at KS2 pupils (mainly Years 5 and 6), but adaptable for KS3 pupils.
My interactive workshops fit in well with the KS2 English curriculum: including listening to a short extract from one of my books, responding imaginatively to develop the theme, and the role of descriptive language in helping to bring ideas alive. I also talk about the importance of planning and drafting, revising and editing to get the best out of a story. Teachers, in particular, enjoy seeing a proof of my last complete manuscript covered in pencil marks (and the pupils' reactions to all those edits!). I've just finished my 4th book, The Orb and The Architect, about Christopher Wren's response to the threat of an alien invasion, and hope to find an agent and publisher for it soon! (January 2018). So I'm well placed to talk children through the joy and frustrations of completing a project - and the next steps involved in getting a book published.
I live in South West London, but I am willing to travel.
Feedback from students and teachers:
"I think you made me remember how much fun you can have writing a story. I have also learnt to let my imagination run wild. You taught me how to paint a picture using words." Thomas, Year 6 (Emanuel, Battersea, London)
"Your workshop was brilliant. I thought it was so interactive and I think you got us to read a lot more. Many of us, including me, have stopped playing at playtime and instead we read your books or write stories." Luke, Year 5 (Albermarle Primary, Wandsworth, London)
"Your manner with the children is perfect and you certainly got the children feeling very creative and confident enough to ask lots of questions, which will help with their own writing of stories."
Linda Huxley, Librarian (Rokeby School, Kingston upon Thames) following a visit to the Year 5 pupils of Rokeby and Robin Hood Primary
"Kirsty's visit really inspired our boys: she captured their imagination with her reading from her debut novel and through her subsequent discussions and activities, she opened their minds to the wonders of writing and the joy of expressing their own creative ideas. A huge success."
Matthew Thompson, Head of English (Aldro School, Surrey) following a visit to the Year 5, 6 and 7 pupils.
Books by Kirsty Riddiford
The 'Prophecies of Ballitor' trilogy is a fantasy adventure aimed at 8-13 year olds (and older!).
978-0993140808
Ben and the Book of Prophecies
Book 1. Ben must find the mythical Book of Prophecies in order to save the kingdom.
978-0993140815
Race for the Heir
Book 2: the heir to the throne has been spirited away to the dark side of the kingdom. Can Ben get to him before his nemesis, the pale man?
978-0993140822
Meridian Obsidian
Book 3: Ben must defeat his nemesis once and for all, if he is to reunite his family..