Type of Artist:
Workshops for smaller groups. (5-30ish)
For larger groups a lively, interactive talk. (30-300ish)
I take the students on a journey, from inspiration through to finished book. The aim is of the event is to demystify the process of writing stories, and enthuse even the most reluctant of readers.
Together, the group will craft a story of their own, thinking about character motivation and how this can set a tale in motion.
Highly interactive and hugely energetic, the event gives every student the opportunity to participate through a range of different activities, and will leave them raring to read and write.
For juniors, event is linked to 'Ellie May' books, ages 6-10
For older children, for 'Accidental Superstar' and 'Face the Music', ages 8-14
If workshops, I’m happy to do up to 3 in one day. The spread across the day will vary according to location of the school and how long it will take me to get there, but is usually, 2 in the morning and 1 in the afternoon.
For the talks to juniors, I’d rather do 2 events maximum, 1 morning, 1 in the afternoon, and combine groups where necessary. They are great fun, but require a lot of energy!
My junior event is flexible but generally runs at 45 mins plus a few mins for signing.
My teenager event runs at 45 mins plus signing time.
My teenager workshop event can be tailored to suit requirements, anything from 30 mins to 1 hour and a half. The usual time is 1 hour.
I'm based in London. I'm happy to travel anywhere in the UK or overseas, provided expenses and (if necessary) accommodation can be taken care of.
Train
DBS checked
New title :
Face the Music
Accidental Superstar – for teenagers
(nominated for the Hillingdon Secondary Book of the Year and the Portsmouth Book Award)
For juniors
Ellie May Would Like To Be Taken Seriously For A Change
Ellie May Is Totally Happy to Share Her Place In The Spotlight
Ellie May Can Definitely Be Trusted To Keep A Secret
'The highlight of the academic year!' Librarian, St Mary's School
'I can't wait to read your book!' Student, Wheatley Park School
'Fantastic! Our students thoroughly enjoyed it.' Librarian, Plumstead Manor School
'Our pupils are still coming up to me to say how great it was and several parents have contacted me to say what an impact it had on their kids' Teacher, St Anselm's School
'Thank you for a wonderful event yesterday. At the end of the evening so many people said how much they enjoyed hearing you speak about your writing and we all thoroughly enjoyed meeting you and hearing about your work. The post-it note questions idea was inspirational! Thank you too for presenting the prizes and certificates and making those pupils feel so valued and special.' Librarian, Richmond Libraries
I heard Marianne Levy give a talk about one of her Ellie May books to a group of young readers and found the session so enjoyable that when I saw she was on the bill at the Edinburgh Book Festival (2014), I bought a ticket and went along to hear her again.
Ms Levy’s great strengths on such occasions are both that she judges her audience perfectly and that she makes the occasion highly entertaining, relating her own experiences, and those of the children listening, to her material. She has, it emerged, worked for some years as an actress and a comedienne, which presumably has a good deal to do with this. Questions were very well handled – participants were made to feel that they had asked something of real interest. At the subsequent book signing, despite the substantial queue, each young student was given individual attention.
I would strongly recommend her as an exceptionally entertaining speaker.
Alison Davidson, (English Teacher, Colchester County High School for Girls
Marianne's bestselling Ellie May novels for younger children are a hysterical delight and she has just written a new YA book, Accidental Superstar, which is brimming with the same humour, heart and wisdom for the Youtube generation.
I once saw her speak at the Edinburgh Book Festival and it was one of the brightest, funniest and most enthusiastically received shows for young readers that I’ve ever seen.
Piers Torday
I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Marianne Levy for a school's visit. The last time I saw her she had complete control over an audience of about 200 excitable children. They adored her as she laughed and played her way through a highly entertaining and informative session. She involves the group throughout and listens carefully and responds hilariously to their questions. She is a joy.
Jo Unwin. Literary Agent
The Bookseller says of Marianne's books : 'vivacious and hilarious'.
The Independent called Ellie May 'very, very funny… a sparkling showstopper'.
Parents In Touch says that Ellie May 'will have the appreciative reader laughing out loud'.
and Kids Confidential says 'you're guaranteed unalloyed hilarity'.
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