Derek Keilty
Type of Artist:
Storytelling Event and Creative Writing Workshop Event
I do 2 types of event: Storytelling and/or Creative Writing Workshop.
The Storytelling event is based around my new Ivy Newt series of books. I talk about how I got the reading and writing bug as a child, some of my favourite books and how, as a grown-up, I came up with the idea for Ivy Newt. I will also read an excerpt from the book. This half hour session includes loads of PowerPoint visuals, magic tricks, dress-up, and fun impressions.
Storytelling length: 30 minutes
Participants: Approx. 30-50 (classroom or larger venue e.g. assembly hall, library etc.)
Age Range: 5-8
The Creative Writing Workshop is interactive and gets the pupils involved creating a story plan: drawing the face of their main character then developing them- what the character likes, dislikes etc. Then we think about setting and finally a plot based around giving the character a big problem to solve. During the workshop we look at how a story becomes a book and the processes involved from manuscript to galley proofs to finished book. Near the end, the children are invited to show the story plans they have created to the rest of the class- I'm always blown away by the ideas they come up with. To finish, I read an excerpt from my new Ivy Newt book and this is followed by a short Q&A and book signing (if applicable). The workshop works best in a classroom setting with an electronic whiteboard for PowerPoint- if possible.
Writing workshop length: 60 minutes
Participants: Approx. 30 (works best in classroom)
Age Range: 7-11
Details
Preferred age range:5-11 year olds
Maximum number in any one session:
Storytelling: Approx. 30-50 (classroom or larger venue e.g. assembly hall, library etc.) Creative Writing Workshop: Approx. 30 (works best in classroom)
No of sessions per day:
Max 3 or 4
Session Length:
Storytelling: Approx. 30mins
Creative Writing Workshop: 60mins
Areas prepared to travel to:
I live in Northern Ireland but am willing to travel within UK if it was for few days maybe or as part of tour etc
Transport:
Car 45p per mile
Fees:
DBS/CRB:
Yes
Hold PLI (public liability insurance):
No
Website:
Titles include:
Ivy Newt and the Storm Witch (and series)
Flyntlock Bones series
Testimonials:
“If you haven't heard of Irish writer Derek Keilty and his delightful adventure series, Flyntlock Bones, you are in for a treat. I was fortunate enough to book Derek for a Kirklees Libraries' Library Adventures Live! event in September 2020; he and his characters provided plenty of swash and buckle in an entertaining hour which delighted our viewing audience, even the most reluctant reader.”
Alison Brumwell, Chair - Youth Libraries Group, Librarian and Reader Development Consultant
“We were very honoured to be the hosts for Derek's book launch on World Book Day, and the two events which we were able to organise reached a wide audience across the Borough. Firstly Derek recorded an event which premiered on WBD then there was a live event at 1pm, which was very exciting for the children watching. Derek has a wonderful storytelling voice and we were very glad that we had also arranged for him to meet children in a second session arranged through the school library service.”
Rachel Johnston, Harrow School Library Service