A Selection of Nicki's Books
Video:
Nicki Thornton
Type of Artist:
A bestselling, award-winning children's author who writes about mystery and magic.
Assembly style talks to large groups and focused creative writing workshops
Have you got what it takes to be a magical detective? Could you spot a crime committed by a sorcerer? How good would you be at concealing your own magic? Test your own detective skills in these interactive sessions.
I love to share my enthusiasm for stories, how books stoke our imagination and how becoming a writer grows out of being a reader.
I always allow plenty of time to answer questions
Three writing superpowers
I also run a creative workshop giving professional insider tips with the aim of getting everyone writing, helping every student find it easier to get creative and how to grow an idea along with confidence in writing.
Details
Preferred age range:I have given whole school talks to primary, but mostly I get asked to work with from Year 5 to Year 9.
Maximum number in any one session:
Up to 35 in a workshop. No limit for a large talk – but if it is a large room, a microphone is very helpful
No of sessions per day:
A maximum of 4 in one day.
Session Length:
Schools generally ask my assemblies or my creative writing workshops to last 40 minutes as this seems to fit into school timetables. But I can be flexible and adapt.
Areas prepared to travel to:
I am based in Oxfordshire with good rail links to many places.
I will consider anywhere if overnight expenses and travel are met and the school is enthusiastic.
Transport:
Train & taxi, or I can drive at 50 pence per mile
Fees:
DBS/CRB:
No
Hold PLI (public liability insurance):
No
Website:
Twitter:
@nicki_thornton
Titles include:
The Last Chance Hotel
The Bad Luck Lighthouse
The Cut-Throat Café
The Howling Hag Mystery
The Poisoned Pie Mystery
The Floating Witch Mystery
Testimonials:
“Today’s virtual English session with the inspiring Nicki Thornton allowed our children to see the reality of becoming a successful author. Nicki was patient and enthusiastic about answering the child’s questions about her life, career and motivations.”
Janine Nettey, Assistant Head of Joseph Cash Primary
“Nicki has a way of commanding the room with a relaxed and relatable approach that gets the children's attention from the outset. Her assemblies are well-crafted to sustain active engagement in her audience, and the children remember her visits. Her deep knowledge of children's literature and frank descriptions of her author journey make writing and reading more accessible to children, raising their aspirations and modelling their dreams. “
Isobel Kent, children's book editor and former school librarian
“The pupils thoroughly enjoyed your visit. With the very interactive way you transmitted your passion, the children learned so much and were very engaged - almost too much at times you might say! I was amazed to see some of the pupils (the ones who usually reject anything about books) asking such pertinent questions. The pupils who have read your book (some in just one night) would like the sequel very quickly!”
Beatrice Mallett, Secondary School Librarian, Europa School UK
Other information:
I tend to use PowerPoint to help in my large talks. For my creative writing sessions I need something to write on to start with a group writing exercise as a prompt, and then everyone needs to be able to do some writing.
I have been developing my sessions over several years and am delighted to receive great feedback from my work with schools.