A Selection of Stuart's Books
Stuart Hill
Type of Artist:
Talks and readings
Stuart Hill is the award-winning author of the acclaimed Icemark Trilogy of historical fantasy novels.
The Cry of the Icemark (Chicken House) published in 2005 and won the inaugural Waterstones Children's Book Prize the same year. A prequel to the Icemark series entitled Prince of the Icemark was shortlisted for the 2015 Red House Book Award.
The Cry of the Icemark is listed in the Ten Best Fantasy Books category of The Story Cure – a book for parents to consult when they want to keep their kids ‘happy, healthy and wise.’
Stuart’s novels have been translated into 18 languages and he is invited to many schools and festivals to talk about his work. Stuart has three titles on Scholastic’s I Was There list (for ages 7-9) RICHARD III, VIKING INVASION and FIRE, FIRE. His latest title is SHIELD MAIDEN from Bloomsbury, about the life of Aethelflaed, the feisty eldest daughter of Alfred the Great. Stuart was born and brought up in Leicester where he lives with his partner and their cat.
Creative Writing Sessions
12-25 students or up to 30 paired up.
Stuart likes to know the aims of the organiser when deciding on the content of a Creative Writing session, so that he can tailor the session to the group’s needs.
Stuart can explain writing and imagination techniques and makes time in the session to speak to each student and encourage them as they work. Students can feedback what they have written and the end of the session.
‘I often develop a theme that's always a favourite with children and which figures largely in my talk - ghost stories. I start by reading a really short story I've prepared and then give them the opening line of another story that they, as a group can continue with their own creative writing. I'll give them pointers on creating atmosphere, characterisation, scene-setting etc and give them a time limit so that the finished product can be read out at the end of the session. ‘
Details
Preferred age range:7-8 year olds and upwards
Stuart’s I WAS THERE titles from Scholastic Limited – RICHARD III and VIKINGS! are suitable for younger readers Years 4-6.
The best age group for a session concentrating on Stuart’s ICEMARK series of novels is Year 7 upwards
No of sessions per day:
Preferably three though will do more if necessary. (i.e. very large school)
Session Length:
50 minutes is the optimum length of time for an Author Session.
Stuart is very happy for you to tell him what you’d like to see from his author session – from concentrating on a particular novel – to talking about being a writer and ideas.
Areas prepared to travel to:
I live in Leicester, so Greater Midlands area, thought will go and have gone further i.e. Manchester, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Transport:
Prefer car @ £0.40 a mile
Fees:
DBS/CRB:
No
Website:
Titles include:
Cry of the Icemark
Blade of Fire
Last Battle of the Icemark
Prince of the Icemark
I Was There: Richard III’s Court
Testimonials:
Blackpool – St Mary’s:
‘The kids really enjoyed it! He did three long sessions but was happy with how engaged and interested they all were!’
Leicester Libraries - June
‘Both sessions went really well. Stuart used his story-weaving skills to good effect, holding his Year 4 audiences in rapt attention as he led them through the challenges and battles that Richard faced as boy and man.
It was a wonderful day that gave the children a chance to show both their knowledge and keen interest in RIII and his bloody history. There were displays of books to borrow or buy. The children loved trying on a knight’s helmet and matching metal gauntlets.’
Dundee Festival –September
‘Stuart was great today and we had a really good event.’
Ayrshire festival – October
‘I just wanted to let you know that we have thoroughly enjoyed having Stuart here - it was a pleasure. Stuart's sessions were excellent and we have had brilliant feedback from the schools!'
Leicester University Literary Leicester Festival - November
‘Stuart's talk was absolutely brilliant. Both children and parents were hanging on his every word - really entertaining and inspiring!’
Walsall – March
We at Barr Beacon School thoroughly enjoyed Stuart's visit to our school. Our pupils were captivated by his readings from the 'Icemark chronicles', by his life stories and his ghost tales. Many of our pupils have revealed their own ambitions to become writers on the back of this visit, and it helped to create a real buzz around books and writing amongst Year 8 pupils this week. We are extremely thankful to Stuart. Once again thank you so much for all your help. The day was amazing!
Leicester – March
‘Please pass on my thanks to Stuart, he was BRILLIANT and such a lovely person! The students (2 whole year groups!) thoroughly enjoyed his talk as did the staff. He even made the Leicester Mercury. We decorated the library with all things Stuart!’
Wolverhampton - March
‘Please pass on my thanks to Stuart Hill for visiting us on March 4th. He really enthused our students and we sold every copy of his books!’
Published work: