Author Visits
I enjoy visiting schools and over the last few years I have had many successful trips to schools all over the country. I am particularly experienced at facilitating Writers’ Workshops for children with Special Needs. I have heard and read some amazing stories from children who, in their own words, ‘can’t write’.
A good Writers’ Workshop lasts for about two hours with a break half way through. It’s best if there’s a maximum of 30 children in the group with support workers for those who may need scribes. For a really good workshop it’s best to have far fewer than 30 children.
An interactive talk about my work and the life of a writer lasts for an hour with a group of about 30 children.
If you would like to focus on a particular novel which the children have been reading, I’ll talk about the inspiration behind the novel, research, writing and re-writing and show examples of drafts along the way. A talk like this lasts for about an hour.
My fees are in line with the Society of Authors recommended rates and I will work for a day or a half day in your school.
Here’s what one school have said about my work:
Pupils have taken on board Josephine’s advice. They have started taking the risk of writing down ideas and not worrying too much about spelling. This has helped ‘unblock’ certain pupils and they are becoming more independent.. Two pupils have started writing at length. One has been able to write about very personal and traumatic events in his life. Visits from authors help to motivate young readers and writers. Getting advice from a ‘real’ author is always more valuable than a teacher.
Phoenix School, Bow, East London.
I’d be delighted to visit your school. For more information or to book a visit, email me on: visits
josephinefeeney.co.uk