Karen McCombie

AUTHOR TALK:
Fast and funny talk outlining the random (often VERY random!) places I get my inspiration from, which in turn can open students’ eyes to their OWN potential when it comes to writing. I also touch on my initial struggles with reading as a child, which can strike a chord with reluctant/struggling readers.

WORKSHOP 1: ‘Become your own editor’ – simple, easy-to-remember pointers to help children improve/edit their own writing.

WORKSHOP 2: ‘How to write suspense’ – step-by-step tips to get edge and drama into a scene.

WORKSHOP 3: ‘WW2 Evacuee’ – based on the research I’ve done for evacuee novel ‘Catching Falling Stars’, this workshop gets students thinking and writing about the impact of the evacuee experience.
Lesson plans and activity sheets available.

Type of Artist:

Details

Primary: 8-11 (though happy to talk to/read to younger years for shorter sessions)

AUTHOR TALK: no limit (microphone appreciated in large halls) WORKSHOP: Approx. 30 students.

FULL DAY: up to 4 sessions.

HALF DAY: up to two sessions (London area only)

AUTHOR TALK: 60 minutes for talk, to include opportunity for short Q&A – plus time for signing books afterwards.

WORKSHOPS: 60 minutes for workshop – plus time for signing books afterwards

Based in London, so very happy to do visits which can be done in a day.

Also happy to do further afield visits, if overnight expenses are met.

Train or car @ 40p per mile

Please email us for details

Karen McCombie website

New title: 'Little Bird Flies'
• Older readers:
‘The Pearl In The Attic’
'The Whispers of Wilderwood Hall’
‘Catching Falling Stars’
‘The Girl Who Wasn’t There’ (all Scholastic)
‘The Angels Next Door’ trilogy (Puffin).

• Younger readers:
‘St Grizzle’s School For Girls’ series (Stripes)
'St Grizzle’s School for Girls, Geeks and Tag-a-long Zombies’ (out March ’18) is the third book in Karen McCombie’s hugely popular ‘St Grizzle’s School’ series. These bonkers boarding school tales are perfect for both boys and girls, Yrs3-6.

‘Stanley Stone Rocks’ (Oxford Reading Tree All Stars).

I also write girls’ books for Barrington Stoke, who publish short, inclusive novels, suitable as speedy reads for confident readers, but which are especially written and edited for struggling/reluctant/dyslexic readers.
Candy Girl’
‘The OMG! Blog’
‘The Mystery of Me’

From the first Author Talk, it was clear that Karen is full of enthusiasm for getting children reading and is highly engaging. During her sessions at the school, she has run very well received writing workshops, held book-breaks to encourage small groups of children to consider a variety of books to read and offered great support through whole-school assemblies. 
She has been a beacon of support for reading for pleasure, and the children are always enthusiastic when she visits, and describe her as 'fun', 'friendly' and 'encouraging'.
Tanya Efthymiou, Librarian, Chestnuts Primary School, London, where Karen is Patron of Reading.

The girls loved Karen’s visit! She was so popular, I had so many positive comments afterwards and the books flew off the shelves! Karen was an engaging and enthusiastic speaker – the girls really warmed to her sense of fun and passion. Would highly recommend.
Eleanor Parker, Librarian, St James Senior Girls’ School, London

“Karen provided a fascinating insight into how authors get ideas, which the children found highly entertaining. The children left the talk inspired, amused and with the tools to become budding authors themselves.”
Penny Casey, Librarian, Highgate Junior School, North London 

“Since your visit, it’s been amazing to have the boys and girls stopping me in the corridors to talk about your visit or about the work they've done or the books they're reading, usually independent of adult interference – it really tugs at my heart-strings. A kind of miracle has occurred and you played a major role in making it happen. May you continue to do that forever!”
Karima Davis, Secretary, Friends Of Calverton Primary School, Newham, South London

Karen McCombie Amazon site