A Selection of Claire's Books
Claire Linney
Type of Artist:
1 - Classroom time travel creative workshops
2 - Group assemblies with a focus on Black British history and/or time travel
3 - Group assembly on how to be an author
1 - Classroom time travel creative workshops:
An interactive session that introduces why I wrote Time Tub Travellers and why I became an author. Then we dive into how you bring to life historical settings in a fictional way and use creative storytelling devices. We then create the framework of a time travel story together before letting the pupils have a go at writing one themselves.
2 - Group assemblies with a focus on Black British history - An interactive session that introduces my love of Black British history and inspiration for writing Time Tub Travellers. We discuss why learning about Black British history is important before going into more detail about three very different Black historical Britons. Then we dive into how you bring to life historical settings in a fictional way and the use of time mahcines in historical fiction. We finish with a reading from my book, a pupils vs teachers quiz and time for lots of questions.
3 - Group assembly on how to be an author: An interactive session that looks at what it takes to publish a book. From research and reading around your chosen genre, to editing (the process and why it's important), designing a cover, and insight into the publishing industry and then marketing your book. We finish with a reading from my book and time for lots of questions.
Details
Preferred age range:KS2 – Years 4, 5 and 6.
The How to be an author session is for years 5 and 6.
Maximum number in any one session:
Up to 30 in a classroom workshop. Up to 200 for the assemblies
No of sessions per day:
Maximum of one shorter assembly (30 mins) and four classroom workshops (max 1 hr) OR
Four group assemblies (max 45 mins)
Session Length:
Classroom workshops up to 1hr.
Group assemblies 30-45 mins.
Any time for signing books is additional.
Areas prepared to travel to:
London, East England & Essex (within 90 mins by train from Stratford). Anywhere within an hour from Central London by train. Happy to travel further for full day workshops only. Travel over two hours (by train) will require overnight expenses.
Transport:
Train and local taxis
Fees:
DBS/CRB:
DBS checked
Hold PLI (public liability insurance):
Yes – with Society of Authors
Website:
Titles include:
Time Tub Travellers and the Silk Thief
Time Tub Travellers: Circus Mystery
Testimonials:
“Claire was absolutely fantastic. Her assembly captured the children's attention through a variety of photos, multiple choice questions, a reading from her book and ended with a popular children v teachers quiz. The children left the assembly more knowledgeable about key figures in Black History, knowing more about being an author and most importantly, excited to read Claire's book. The writing workshop was very well received by the children and school staff with some amazing outcomes produced. I would highly recommend Claire for school events and we hope to invite her to visit our other partner schools in the future.”
Tara Coffin, Director at Learn to Love to Read
“The children were absolutely bowled over by your visit and left feeling truly inspired by your stories and insights. It's not every day that they get to meet a role model like you, and your words made a lasting impression on them. Thank you once again for sparking the imaginations of our young readers and writers. We hope to welcome you back in the future!”
Brennan Millen, Deputy Headteacher, The Winns Primary School
“Claire visited our school to deliver an engaging assembly for our Year 4 and 5 classes, followed by a thought-provoking Black History workshop for Year 5. Both sessions were informative, interactive, and hugely enjoyable. The sessions sparked imagination and creativity in our pupils, inspiring them to see themselves as writers. We’re already anticipating an exciting wave of time-travel stories! Claire also helped challenge common misconceptions about the history of Black people in Britain, introducing children and adults to lesser-known historical figures such as Pablo Fanque. She’s truly phenomenal—we’d love to welcome her back next year!”
Margaret Boateng, Headteacher, Holmleigh Primary School
“Thank you again for a wonderful presentation. All the teachers came and told me how much they and their students enjoyed it. I heard feedback about how prepared you were, students were very engaged, and many students now feel inspired to write. One teacher quickly caught up with me and borrowed my personal copy of your book to read to her class at the end of each day. The pages you read had them eager to know more.”
Megan Martin, Teacher Librarian, Nakusp School, Canada