A Selection of Dean's Books
Videos:
Dean Atta
Type of Artist:
Author talk with short reading and Q&A
Writing workshops
Author talk with short reading and Q&A
With a PowerPoint presentation Dean will talk about his journey to becoming a writer and the inspiration behind for his two young adult novels in verse, The Black Flamingo and Only on the Weekends. He will give short readings from both novels before opening up the floor for questions.
Two examples of Dean’s writing workshops
1. Alter Ego Poetry
Who would you be in another body? Another life? Another world? With a super power? With a million pounds? With nothing holding you back? In this poetry workshop you will explore your alter ego, inspired by comic book characters, drag performers, and the gods and goddesses of Ancient Greece.
2. Which Flag to Wave?
Dean will use flags as a metaphor to discuss pride in various forms, including nationality and sexuality. You will look at poems by Bashabi Fraser and John Agard, and Dean will guide you to write a poem of your own.
Details
Preferred age range:12+
Maximum number in any one session:
Up to 30 for a workshop, up to 200 for an author talk.
No of sessions per day:
Max. 4 hours delivery per day.
Session Length:
45-60 minutes for talk; 90-120 minutes for workshop, plus time for book signing afterwards.
Areas prepared to travel to:
Anywhere if overnight expenses are met.
Transport:
Public Transport
Fees:
DBS/CRB:
No
Hold PLI (public liability insurance):
Yes
Website:
Twitter:
@DeanAtta
Titles include:
Only on the Weekends (Hachette Children's Group)
The Black Flamingo (Hachette Children's Group)
Testimonials:
Such an inspiring afternoon with the amazing Dean Atta talking to Year 9 about his life, inspirations and writing. “Best author event we’ve ever had in school” according to an English teacher.
Eileen Armstrong, School Librarian, Cramlington Learning Village, Northumberland
The students were really engaged and I can already see an improvement in their writing. It was so beneficial for the students to have an actual poet sharing some ideas.
Bradley Martin, English Teacher - The City Academy, Hackney
We were delighted to welcome Dean to talk to our Creative Writing students as part of Arts University Bournemouth's celebrations for LGBTQ+ History Month. Dean's talk was engaging and insightful, where he responded to the students' questions with great advice and supportive guidance. We'd love to welcome Dean back to AUB in the future!
Dr James Cole, Course Leader BA (Hons) Creative Writing, Arts University Bournemouth
Dean Atta delivered two Zoom workshops on Performing your work, to a small group of emerging writers, for Megaphone. The workshops were fantastic. Dean was engaging, fun and warm but also a good, insightful critic. The writers will really benefit from his advice and be able to apply it throughout their careers.
Leila Rasheed, Director - Megaphone Writer Development Scheme, Birmingham
