A Selection of Alex's Books
Video:
Alex Mullarky
Type of Artist:
Workshop, assembly, reading, Q&A, panel
I am available for writing workshops, school visits, presentations and panel events. I have appeared at literary festivals such as Kendal Mountain Book Festival and the International Literature Festival Dublin, and at schools and libraries across the UK.
In a classroom writing workshop I typically start with an introduction about the inspiration for my first book and how I became an author. We then go through some exercises in character development, writing rich settings and generating story ideas from a place (whether real or imagined). Interspersed are map-reading and adventure-planning activities. There are short readings throughout and time for questions and answers at the end.
For assemblies I focus more on the process of writing and publishing a book and my sources of inspiration (e.g. places and folklore). I will also do a longer reading and leave time for a Q&A at the end.
These events can be tailored to focus more specifically on creating fantasy worlds, drafting and editing your work, or retelling folk and fairy tales. I am happy to present in a classroom or outside under the trees and can tailor a visit plan to the needs of your group
Details
Preferred age range:My books are aimed at approximately ages 8-12 but I am happy to work with ages 6 and up.
Maximum number in any one session:
A maximum of 30 per session for a workshop. No limit on assemblies or talks.
No of sessions per day:
A maximum of 3 sessions per day.
Session Length:
60-90 minutes for a workshop.
30-60 minutes for an assembly or talk.
Minimum of two classroom sessions if outside Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Areas prepared to travel to:
I live in Edinburgh but am happy to travel anywhere as long as travel expenses are met. If the event is more than 3 hours’ travel away, overnight accommodation is also requested.
Transport:
Car @ 45p per mile or train depending on location.
Fees:
DBS/CRB:
Yes
Hold PLI (public liability insurance):
Yes
Website:
Titles include:
The Sky Beneath the Stone
Testimonials:
"Huge thanks to the fabulous author Alex Mullarky for bringing her time, energy and talents at Bransty today. Building Ivy's tent in 5 minutes just like chapter 1 was so much fun! A very special day… THANK YOU!"
John Lee, Bransty Primary School
"This was an excellent visit which really caught the children’s attention… The children were fascinated by Alex’s story as it was set in Cumbria; they thoroughly enjoyed the map activity in the workshop. A hugely successful visit!"
St Bees Village School
"Thank you so much for the lovely session today! The children really enjoyed themselves and got so much out of it. It has been such a popular title with all eight participating schools, they have read it so enthusiastically… It has been lovely to work with you!"
Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Primary Transition Project