Michael Mann

Type of Artist:

Winner of the East Sussex and Salford Children's Book Award

A Waterstones Best Children's Book of the Year 2021

A BookTrust Great Books Guide 2022

I write imaginative, diverse books for children, and my school events reflect this – they’re fun and interactive, and promote the message that anyone can be an author, whatever their background. As a primary school teacher, I’m comfortable talking to children of any age group. I do both creative writing workshops and large assembly-style talks. I also explain how I became a writer, talk about my own mixed heritage, the importance of reading, perseverance, and tips on how to improve your own writing. I bring examples of my own writing (& mistakes) from when I was at school, which the kids love!

KS2/3 Assembly or Talk – 45min (30-60min)
- First 25 minutes goes through how to become a writer, my inspirations, with lots of interaction, and readings, games/quizzes & examples of my own school work (which kids love!)
-Next 10-15 minutes is Q&A – often students favourite bit
- 5-minute plenary wrap up quiz, then signing after
- Message: anyone can be an author, reading is key, diversity, we all make mistakes

KS1 Assembly – 20 min: shorter version of the session above, 15-25 minutes is usually about right.

Writing workshop – 45-60 min
-First half is quick-fire writing games to loosen up and get creative muscles going. Typically I do a mix of fun and calmer games, as kids respond to different exercises.
-Second half works towards longer written piece – my favourite is on settings (reimagining home towns with maps and description, often a dystopian vibe) but I can also do a session on character and/or villains.
- Note: I’ve a range of writing games – if you want to practice a specific skill (e.g. 5 senses), I might be able to find a game to match.

Details

I’m a trained teacher, and comfortable with all ages. My talks work best with Y3-Y8, but Y1 and Y2 do enjoy the shorter sessions.

500+ for talk (so long as acoustics are good enough) Up to around 30 for workshop

4-5 sessions depending on length (and start time and travel time)

KS2/KS3 Talk: 45 min usually (but 35-60min poss)
KS1 talk: 15-25 min
KS2/KS3 Workshop: 45-60min

I live in London, but am happy to travel anywhere. My travel expenses are a standard class rail ticket – the earliest train I can get is 7.30am: otherwise I’ll need nearby accommodation for the night before.

Public transport

Please email us for details

Yes

Yes via Society of Authors

michaelmann.co.uk

Ghostcloud
Nightspark
The Faber Book of Bedtime Stories (2022)

Both Ghostcloud and Nightspark are available as audiobooks

"We’ve had so much incredible feedback from the session last week, so wanted to thank you so much again for coming in! The students absolutely loved it and were so motivated to focus on developing their own writing."

Kayleigh Thompson, Isaac Newton Academy, Assemblies for Y7,  Y5 and Y4

"Thank you so much for the session today. The enthusiasm from children throughout the rest of the day was tangible - and I was left with an impossible choice when so many asked to borrow Ghostcloud."

Tanya Efthymiou, Chestnuts Primary School Librarian, Whole KS2 Assembly

“It really was a fantastic session. A true inspiration to all pupils to show what hard work, determination and inspiration can lead to… ”

Kristy, Primary School English Lead,  Y6 Class

You made such a fantastic impact on them (especially with those normally reluctant ones) and I've had quite a few today asking about borrowing your book!

AMSI Secondary School, Islington, Y8 workshops

“ That was amazing!!! Thank you so much, it’s going to be hard to top that!”

Booktastic Festival, Online, Bedford

“Michael Mann – you smashed it!”

Fiona Dalu-Chandu, Ark Atwood Academy

Talk requires AV – it’s a powerpoint with videos, and requires sound.

Additional follow-up writing activities available