A Selection of Annelise's Books
Videos:
Annelise Gray
Type of Artist:
Talks, assemblies, creative writing workshops, readings, Q and A.
Talk 1: The Historical World of Circus Maximus: A fun, interactive and informative talk about the inspiration for the Circus Maximus series – from National Velvet to Formula 1 - and the historical research that went into recreating the cut-throat world of Roman chariot racing. Includes time for reading and Q and A.
Talk 2: Making Myths and Monsters: The Odyssey of Phoebe Quilliam - A talk on my most recent book, an action-packed middle-grade adventure about a girl mysteriously swept away into the world of her favourite Greek myth, the legend of the Greek hero Odysseus. I explore the role of monsters in both Phoebe and Odysseus’ stories and themes including the nature of heroism, facing your fears and what it truly means to find your way home. Includes a reading and time for Q&A.
Workshop: A writing workshop on animal/human friendships, inspired by the relationship between my main character Dido and her beloved horse Porcellus.
A Writing Workshop on Making Myths and Monsters
Children will be introduced to some of the most famous hero-monster pairings in Greek myth, and then guided to reimagine one of these myths in their own words, or invent a monster of their own.
A writing Workshop in Historical Fiction
A guided session that includes top tips for writing historical fiction and incorporating opportunities and brainstorming prompts for pupils to develop their own idea for a story set in the historical past. Particularly suitable for Years 7-11 studying history.
Details
Preferred age range:Talks/assemblies – ideally Years 5-8 though also suitable for Years 3 and 4
Workshops – Years 5-8
Maximum number in any one session:
Any number for talks and assemblies. Ideally up to 20 in a workshop but I’m happy to be flexible.
No of sessions per day:
A maximum of 3 sessions per day is preferable but can do 4 by negotiation.
Session Length:
45-60 minutes for talks; 50-70 minutes for workshops.
Areas prepared to travel to:
I am based in Dorset, but happy to go anywhere if travel expenses are met and overnight accommodation can be provided as necessary.
Transport:
I prefer to travel by train, especially if going beyond an hour’s radius of my home in Dorset.
Fees:
DBS/CRB:
Yes
Hold PLI (public liability insurance):
No
Website:
Twitter:
@AnneliseGray
Titles include:
Circus Maximus: Race to the Death
Circus Maximus: Rivals on the Track
Circus Maximus: Rider of the Storm
Circus Maximus: Return of the Champion
Testimonials:
''I was so proud of my students yesterday as they behaved so well but that was down to you. You totally captivated them. They didn't want to talk to their friends because they were too busy drinking in all you had to say...[we] put the same amount of effort into every author visit but it is the author's ability to connect with the students that makes the difference. You were amazing.”
Amy Smy, Librarian, Brentwood County High School.
'Thank you Annelise for the most spectacular day. Your talk for us was utterly inspiring and we've all been buzzing ever since. To be able to grip every student (and such a range of ages) and every staff member present with your story and words of advice is such a gift - you are a rare gem! We love you, Dido and this very special book. Thank you wholeheartedly and come back soon.'
Dr. Elizabeth Mackintosh, Head of Academic Enrichment, St. Swithun's School, Hampshire.
‘Thank you so much for your wonderful talks…we thought you were amazing. Your presentations were slick, exciting and very informative! The children loved you and we all learned so much! Many staff members commented how much they had enjoyed your talks as well…I have already recommended you to two librarian networks that I belong to and told them how wonderful you were.’
Kelly Johnson, Head of English, St. John’s College School, Cambridge
'Thank you for your wonderful talks today. The children had a great time and were really inspired. One of the teachers said that you 'are the best speaker he has seen in school.' Thank you!'
Tabitha Iles, Head of English, Castle Court School, Dorset.
‘I am still buzzing from how well your visit went - thank you again for coming to visit us, I can't stress enough how much the pupils (and staff!) got from your interesting and inspirational presentation. A year 7 class came into the library for their class period 4 that afternoon and I can officially say they wiped me out of our library copies. I've had no choice but to buy more to keep up with demand!’
Anna Staite, Librarian, The Stanway School, Colchester.
Other information:
I’m a former teacher, with almost twenty years of classroom experience – mainly with Years 6, 7 and 8 – and am very comfortable talking to large groups of both primary and secondary age children.