Type of Artist:
I am the author of the 'History Keepers' series, which have been translated into 26 languages, in over forty countries, with a major film in development with Workiing Title (Les Miserables, Billy Elliot).
I'm passionate about visiting schools and meeting young readers first hand, offering an exciting, interactive presentation that aims to really grab their attention.
I talk about my books, inspirations, my love of history, science and adventure, my previous life as an actor and screenwriter in Hollywood.
My books are, first and foremost, thrilling and entertaining, with nods to Indiana Jones and James Bond, but aim also to be educational, based as they are around the real events and people of the past.
My travels around the world, researching my subject matter in depth, also form part of my talk.
A talk of roughly 45 mins, including readings. I have a PowerPoint presentation with great images and trailers. 15 mins for questions is perfect too if there’s time.
9-13 year olds.
I find is the ideal age. I do speak to younger and slightly older too if the teachers/librarians think it is appropriate.
I like talking to as many as possible! I have done talks to 400 children. Under 40 can seem like a lot of work for little coverage, but obviously if it is more of a workshop situation, a lower number is better.
3 maximum.
45-60 mins is perfect.
Anywhere in London or greater London is obviously ideal.
Very happy to travel if I will be meeting a lot of kids and hopefully selling good numbers of books.
Have a car @ 40p per mile – also love the train.
The History Keepers: The Storm Begins
The History Keepers: Circus Maximus
The History Keepers: Night Ship To China (2014)
‘Damian’s events are engaging and fun and his readings are engrossing. The premise of The History Keepers is such fun and Damian's approach to adventure stories helps generate great ideas from the kids when it comes to group creative writing activities. He's also fantastically relaxed and approachable which has made book signings and Q&As real joy for our audiences.
Siobahn Maguire at the Hay Literature Festival.
‘It was not just the story that caught the boys imagination, but it was Damian himself. He was dynamic with the boys; pitching an engaging and intriguing presentation. He held their attention with thought provoking questions and engaged with the boys on a personal level, valuing their input and inspiring them along the way. Damian managed to achieve something which very few people manage, to motivate and inspire hard to reach boys with literature and creative writing..’
Ross Williams at MakeBelieve Arts, London.
How I tamed the black dog: Damian Dibben on his new book Tomorrow