Looking for an AUTHOR VISIT?

 

Hello! Are you interested in an "Author Visit?"

One of the things I enjoy about my job is meeting children, whether in schools or through libraries or at book events. I have several years experience in a range of schools and settings, and I have worked for more than ten library authorities.

What ages of children do you work with?
I am happy to talk to children from Reception through to Year 6. I usually speak to one or two similarly-aged classes at a time. I adapt my approach for each different group or audience, and try to make the session friendly, fun and informative.

Here are some typical "Penny Dolan" Sessions:

Reception & Year 1: Lively joining-in story sessions, introduced through objects from my story-basket, readings from my picture books, and maybe rhymes or songs. (30 mins approx)

Years 1 & 2: I often start with a traditionally told story followed by a picture book text or two, during which I include simple information about writing & illustrating processes. (40 mins approx)

Years 3 & 4: These sessions include more talk about being a writer - where I get my ideas from, how I shape a story etc. I often start by talking about structuring stories for picture books, and then move on to chapter books and the importance of "creating pictures with words". (50 mins approx.)

Year 5 & 6: For older children, my talk often concentrates on the writing process, the way an author works, and choices the writer has to make. I also include readings from a range of my writing, and go on to answer children's questions. (50 mins approx.)

If requested, I can also include a "told" story in a session for older children, or you might be interested in a writing workshop. I also speak to family groups, to teachers, and to parents and also to older pupils and adult writing groups by arrangement.

Practical Matters

My fee is £300 a day plus travel & expenses, with B&B if distance requires. A day's visit is about four sessions, depending on your school timetable. I occasionally offer half-day visits to local schools, or to small village schools. Sometimes small schools have paired up for a Penny Dolan visit. A half-day is £200

I currently live north-east of Leeds, in North Yorkshire, but I do visit children in other parts of the UK, as long as work and other bookings permit.

If any of this interests you, please ring so we can talk about your school and what you want from a visit. While I'm happy to have e-mails checking on my availability, I prefer to talk to the teacher or librarian when it comes to organising the schedule for any visit. I look forward to hearing from you.

If you'd like to talk about a possible author visit, without any obligation, please contact Penny on 01423 563561 (daytime, evenings before 9.45pm, or at weekends).
Or write to

PENNY DOLAN
10 WOODSIDE, HARROGATE,
NORTH YORKSHIRE HG1 5NG.
01423 563561