I visit lots of schools every year – and it’s always a huge privilege to meet my readers. Writing a book can be quite a lonely business, and I love hearing about them from my readers’ perspective. They often tell me things about my books that I hadn’t even realised. So I regard my school visits as a very important part of my writing career. And having been a teacher for many years, I know how readers can benefit from finding out more about books and writing from a published author. Click here for the leaflet I send out to schools about what I can offer.
This email from Exmouth College is the sort of invitation I like to receive. It’s clear, organised and welcoming and was received a year in advance! Don’t worry, I know not everyone plans quite so far ahead, but the more notice you can give me, the more chance there is of getting the date you want. This friendly and organised initial request certainly makes me want to go this school to talk to their students.
Talks
During my sessions, which last up to an hour, I read extracts from my books and talk about such things as how I write my stories, creating characters, making plots work, and using my imagination. I always leave time for questions and, as long as my travel arrangements allow, I’m happy to chat informally after the event.
It helps enormously if pupils have some prior knowledge about me and my books before I visit. My website is a good starting point. Well prepared audiences gain a great deal more from my sessions and ideally, they would have read one or more of my books or at least been introduced to them, beforehand..
I am happy to talk to a whole year group in a session like this.
Workshops
If you would like me to undertake a writing workshop for smaller groups of interested pupils I can offer a range of topics such as creating character, writing a story, using dialogue to further plot, viewpoint, writing for an audience, show don’t tell etc, as well as more specific sessions on my books. Alternatively, I can discuss your needs with you by email or phone and tailor the workshop to your own requirements.
Workshops are limited to no more than 30 students so that they can get the most out of the session. I would expect the students to be familiar with my books and ideally, to have read at least one that I can refer to in the workshop.
Workshops may last between 60 to 90 minutes.
A plea for the boys…
I’m all too aware that because my publisher markets my books at a predominantly female audience, boys may find the jackets rather girly. (See Frequently Asked Questions) This is an issue that I address full on with my audiences, explaining the realities of the publishing industry, and describing my own efforts to try and redress the balance. I write for both girls and boys and you will always find strong male characters present in my novels. I thoroughly enjoy the conversations I have with boys and girls on this matter and enjoy discussing with them their reading preferences and enthusiasms.
Session fee
I charge the following fees for my sessions:
1 session – £150
2 sessions – £300
A full day (three sessions) – £350
Travel and accommodation
This may be in addition to my fees, and will be agreed in advance.
As a former teacher I know how limited resources can be, so would suggest working with another school in your neighbourhood and sharing the costs accordingly.
What I need to know before the event:
The date and time
Any relevant travel and accommodation details
The venue
The name of the teacher for whom I should ask when I arrive at your school
The type of session – talk/writing workshop
The timing for each session
The year group
The number of children attending each session
The type of venue – a classroom/library/school hall etc
Books for sale
Children often ask me how much a writer earns – and I always explain that a writer earns nothing unless people buy their books. So it would be wrong if I didn’t make it clear that I appreciate it when a school arranges to have copies of my books for sale when I’m there. I am happy to sign copies for children.
Schools can usually arrange to get copies on a sale or return basis from their local bookseller or book supplier. Alternatively, I can arrange for books to be delivered to the school, or depending on my travel arrangements – I may be able to bring copies with me.
Obviously, pupils should be alerted to the opportunity to buy books and given the various prices so that they can bring in the necessary money.
Booking
The easiest way to book me for your school is to email me at chris@chrishigginsthatsme.com detailing the kind of event you’re envisaging, and what dates you have in mind. Please always include your contact details.
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School visits
I visit lots of schools every year – and it’s always a huge privilege to meet my readers. Writing a book can be quite a lonely business, and I love hearing about them from my readers’ perspective. They often tell me things about my books that I hadn’t even realised. So I regard my school visits as a very important part of my writing career. And having been a teacher for many years, I know how readers can benefit from finding out more about books and writing from a published author. Click here for the leaflet I send out to schools about what I can offer.
This email from Exmouth College is the sort of invitation I like to receive. It’s clear, organised and welcoming and was received a year in advance! Don’t worry, I know not everyone plans quite so far ahead, but the more notice you can give me, the more chance there is of getting the date you want. This friendly and organised initial request certainly makes me want to go this school to talk to their students.
Talks
During my sessions, which last up to an hour, I read extracts from my books and talk about such things as how I write my stories, creating characters, making plots work, and using my imagination. I always leave time for questions and, as long as my travel arrangements allow, I’m happy to chat informally after the event.
It helps enormously if pupils have some prior knowledge about me and my books before I visit. My website is a good starting point. Well prepared audiences gain a great deal more from my sessions and ideally, they would have read one or more of my books or at least been introduced to them, beforehand..
I am happy to talk to a whole year group in a session like this.
Workshops
If you would like me to undertake a writing workshop for smaller groups of interested pupils I can offer a range of topics such as creating character, writing a story, using dialogue to further plot, viewpoint, writing for an audience, show don’t tell etc, as well as more specific sessions on my books. Alternatively, I can discuss your needs with you by email or phone and tailor the workshop to your own requirements.
Workshops are limited to no more than 30 students so that they can get the most out of the session. I would expect the students to be familiar with my books and ideally, to have read at least one that I can refer to in the workshop.
Workshops may last between 60 to 90 minutes.
A plea for the boys…
I’m all too aware that because my publisher markets my books at a predominantly female audience, boys may find the jackets rather girly. (See Frequently Asked Questions) This is an issue that I address full on with my audiences, explaining the realities of the publishing industry, and describing my own efforts to try and redress the balance. I write for both girls and boys and you will always find strong male characters present in my novels. I thoroughly enjoy the conversations I have with boys and girls on this matter and enjoy discussing with them their reading preferences and enthusiasms.
Session fee
I charge the following fees for my sessions:
1 session – £150
2 sessions – £300
A full day (three sessions) – £350
Travel and accommodation
This may be in addition to my fees, and will be agreed in advance.
As a former teacher I know how limited resources can be, so would suggest working with another school in your neighbourhood and sharing the costs accordingly.
What I need to know before the event:
Books for sale
Children often ask me how much a writer earns – and I always explain that a writer earns nothing unless people buy their books. So it would be wrong if I didn’t make it clear that I appreciate it when a school arranges to have copies of my books for sale when I’m there. I am happy to sign copies for children.
Schools can usually arrange to get copies on a sale or return basis from their local bookseller or book supplier. Alternatively, I can arrange for books to be delivered to the school, or depending on my travel arrangements – I may be able to bring copies with me.
Obviously, pupils should be alerted to the opportunity to buy books and given the various prices so that they can bring in the necessary money.
Booking
The easiest way to book me for your school is to email me at chris@chrishigginsthatsme.com detailing the kind of event you’re envisaging, and what dates you have in mind. Please always include your contact details.