How to write a fairy tale
How to write a fairy tale: the main ingredients, some ideas to get you started, and advice from leading writers and lovers of fairy tales.
My books and writing blog
When I visit schools I’m often asked to recommend books and authors. My blogs over the past few years feature important and new writers, major award-winning books and book recommendations.
I‘m also often asked for hints, tips and practical advice, mainly by teachers and people interested in creative writing. Many of my blogs are about writing in particular genres, and include features specially written by other acclaimed specialists in those particular fields of writing.
And, especially for classroom use, I’ve written blogs to support teachers who are working on particular novels with their pupils.
I hope you’ll find all of these inspiring and helpful.
‘The Crossing’ by Manjeet Mann – Costa winner 2021
My review of The Crossing by Manjeet Mann, winner of the Costa Children’s Book Award 2021; the painful story of two young adults from different continents.
My 40 all-time favourite books – to celebrate 40 years as a published author!
I find it hard to believe that my first book was published 40 years ago. What better time for a post compiling my 40 all-time favourite books?
‘The Chime Seekers’ by Ross Montgomery
My review of ‘The Chime Seekers’ by Ross Montgomery, a magical adventure story about a brave boy and his changeling sister.
Winter haikus – exclusive haikus from well-known writers
Exclusive winter haikus. Explore winter in all its loveliness and harshness through the eyes of 8 of our finest authors, poets and songwriters.
Writing ghost stories
Writing ghost stories: a look at the history of ghost stories, why we love them, the basic elements of how to write a ghost story, and some chilling examples.
‘The Song That Sings Us’ by Nicola Davies
My review of ‘The Song That Sings Us’, an epic environmental adventure story by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Greenaway award winner Jackie Morris.
Jim Jarvis meets Dr Barnardo
Dr Thomas Barnardo meets Jim Jarvis – useful information for teachers presenting my novel Street Child as a KS2 book in schools.
‘Small in the City’ by Sydney Smith – Greenaway winner 2021
My review of the 2021 Greenaway Medal winner, ‘Small in the City’ by Canadian author and illustrator Sydney Smith.
‘Look Both Ways’ by Jason Reynolds – Carnegie winner 2021
My review of the 2021 Carnegie Medal winner, ‘Look Both Ways’ by the American author Jason Reynolds.
Writing haikus – a poetry workshop
Writing haikus: I show you the rules, explain their structure, give you useful tips for writing haikus and present Japanese examples.
‘Shadow Time Stories’ by Lilo Beil – stories from WWII Germany
My review of ‘Shadow Time Stories’ by Lilo Beil, a moving collection of 15 short stories for children, set in Germany during the time of the Nazi era.