A Selection of Ashley's Books
Ashley Thorpe
Type of Artist:
Talk, creative writing workshop, readings, discussion activity sessions
I do an author talk, reading, and run a creative writing workshop focused on mythology and folktales that explores how stories of old have evolved to make the new.
Pupils will learn how I took inspiration from the incredible pantheon of Yoruba deities – the Orishas, how a love of manga and anthologies exposed me to mythology from across the world, and I’ll encourage pupils to get creative to build their own worlds and characters – building on what's come before to make their own.
I also do a reading and classroom discussion session looking at collective power when people work together, and asking what does it mean to be a hero?
Details
Preferred age range:9-13 years
Maximum number in any one session:
Up to 30 in workshops, no limit for talks
No of sessions per day:
4 max
Session Length:
60 minutes each plus time for signings
Areas prepared to travel to:
Based in Manchester and will travel up to two hours with travel expenses included.
Will travel across country (>2 hour journey) if accommodation and travel expenses are included.
Transport:
Car 45p per mile
Train standard advance fare (receipt)
Fees:
DBS/CRB:
Yes
Hold PLI (public liability insurance):
No
Website:
Twitter:
@ashley__thorpe
Testimonials:
"This World Book Week we invited Ashley Thorpe to come in and do a session with our Year 6 and 7 pupils at Castle Court School. The session began with Ashley introducing himself to us, giving the pupils good background and an understanding of what inspired him to become a writer. His knowledge of different genres matched the interests of many of our pupils and his understanding of things they already enjoyed kept them engaged throughout. He balanced this session with a mini workshop where he got them to start thinking about a world they would want to put their own character in. Thereafter, they started to think about qualities of literary characters that they have enjoyed and from that inspiration, they built their own hero for their world. Ashley had such a lovely way with our pupils, allowing them time for a Q&A session where no question was too difficult to answer. His natural ease, love of writing and knowledge of the process was such an enriching experience for us all. We wish Ashley every success with his debut novel, The Boy to Beat the Gods, out on the 4th July! We cannot wait to read it!"
Mrs K Thompson – Years 6 and 7 – Castle Court School, Wimborne
"Ashley draws upon his own relationship with reading and writing to build engaging narratives which have the children wanting more. His workshop allowed the children to see themselves as writers and to believe that they too have a story to tell."
Mr J Duckett – Deputy Head and Year 5 – Newchurch Community Primary School, Warrington
"Utterly brilliant! Our pupils were incredibly lucky to spend the day with you."
Miss E Nevell – Head of English – The Blue Coat School, Oldham