John Pilkington: Author

Contact me

Would you like me to visit your school or library?

It’s easy to arrange – just e-mail me via the Contact Form below, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

I often talk to years 5 and 6 (Key Stage 2), and can talk to Yr 4, or older children by arrangement. I’ve also talked to student teachers, and I used to run writing courses and workshops for adults. I usually give a short talk on the historical background to my books, illustrated by large pictures which are laminated and can be handled. This is followed by a reading, or perhaps more than one: I’m flexible and try to fit in with the school’s needs. I then invite questions, which can take as much time as the teachers wish! I’m happy to talk about my life as a writer and to give advice to aspiring authors.

Sessions: Approx I hour: £150.00 plus travel expenses.
Half day (max. 3 groups): £250.00 plus travel.

Other sessions are possible, including talks/ workshops on Getting Ideas, How I Got Started and so on. Teachers who would like details of my qualifications and experience are welcome to get in touch.

Librarians are also welcome to contact me direct.

Your name:

Your email address:

Your telephone number:

Enquiry:

‘You were very brave in front of us and explaining about how it felt to begin writing a book and becoming an author’

Matty, 8½, St Michael’s School, Aldbourne, Wilts.

‘I am writing to tell you how fabulous it was when you came in and talked about your book ”Rogues’ Gold”. I really enjoyed it when you told us how you started to write… I have started to write fairy tales and stories. I really want to be a writer when I am older’

Amy, Yr 6, St Michael’s School

‘It was informative and interesting and captured the mood of the Elizabethans well’

Ian Randall, Yr 5 teacher, Landscore Primary School, Crediton, Devon.

‘A stimulating and interesting visit, and a useful tie-in with our studies of the Tudors this term’

Yr 5 teacher, St Nicholas C of E Junior School, Sidmouth, Devon.

Activities and Competitions

Schools can sometimes win a visit by an author, and/or a signed copy of his or her book. For more information about this and other activities visit www.usborne.co.uk

Find out about author visits and other things from the Children’s Discovery Centre at www.childrensdiscovery.org.uk

And visit Write Away, a useful (and free) online children’s book resource for teachers, students and librarians at www.writeaway.org.uk

Last Word

In these times of spending cuts, it looks as though our public libaries will soon be under threat, as some are already. School libraries are also closing, which many of us think is sad and worrying. If you'd like to know more, and see how your area might be affected, check out the Campaign for the Book on the internet.

More later...

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