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My first school visits

Last week I did my first author school visits for  ONE OF US at three London schools – St Cecelia’s in Southfields and The Charter School in Dulwich on Thursday and Bishop Ramsey in Ruislip on Friday. Talking about plotting in The Charter School library

I really enjoyed all three visits and was made very welcome by the Library staff  and Pea Green Boat Books who took me between the schools on Thursday, and by the English Department at Bishop Ramsey on Friday. At The Charter School

The thing that really struck me was how creative and engaged the students were. We had a short activity writing first lines and they came up with some great ideas – in just three minutes. It was also nice to finally come across a few other people who read books in the wrong order! And to spend time in school libraries which are so vibrant, well-used and a hub of all kinds of activities, many run by the students. Broxbourne School

Yesterday I had a great day at Broxbourne School with Hoddesdon Bookshop. Here the emphasis was on creative writing  and I was struck by how strong the students' story ideas and first lines were. One story was so scary that it gave everyone a collective shiver! At lunch time, the Library group spread out a feast which they had brought in themselves, and we sat round a big table eating and talking about the books they love and their own writing - lovely!

My first four school events have been interesting and fun. All the schools were very welcoming and I value being able to spend time talking with teenagers about books and writing. 

ONE OF US was shortlisted for the Bolton Children's Fiction Award and the Lancashire Book of the Year 2016 . It was.longlisted for the Branford Boase Award and the Sussex Coast Schools' Amazing Book Award. Interesting Links