I am happy to drive within a 50 miles radius of Stafford. For schools in London, I will travel by train.

I offer several talks/workshops and all include time for the children to ask questions.

I am always happy to discuss and adapt the format of the talks/workshops with teachers so that I can provide a relevant and enjoyable time for the school. I suggest that the children read at least one of my books prior to my visit. I should like my books to be available for sale after the talk. (Local bookshops are usually happy to supply on a sale or return basis or I will bring some along.) Taking home a signed book is one of the highlights of the day for a child but where this is not possible, libraries are very helpful in supplying the books for them to borrow.

How to be a Detective
Years 3 - 5
Numbers - up to 3 classes

In addition to readings from 'How to be a Detective' and 'Kids on the Run', this talk is interactive and some children will have the opportunity to become detectives and put on disguises. Others may be chosen to try and find the secret compartment in a large black holdall where stolen diamonds are hidden.

Writing a Thriller
8 - 12 years
This talk is based on 'Storm Runners' and pupils will discover where the original idea came from and how the characters were developed. The session is lively, interactive and great fun with the children breaking a code and finally searching for a vital CD. As always, there will be time for the all-important questions and answers.

How a Book is Made
Years 4- 6
Numbers - single classes only

Following the progress of a book from inspiration to publication. I will bring along original manuscripts, art work, contracts, proofs from my books to bring alive the experience of writing a book. This talk will be interactive as pupils prepare their own 'book' for publication. Teachers might like to use this as an opportunity to focus on the children's written work and it could be used in conjunction with a story pupils have written themselves.

Infants

Where I am visiting KS2 of a primary school, I would be happy to go to talk briefly to the youngest children - to introduce myself as an author, to read to them and to answer questions. I find that by doing this, the infants don't feel left out of the excitement of the day.