A Selection of Sue's Books
Sue Wallman
Type of Artist:
Talks, workshops, panels and readings
In my talk, I speak about what I’ve learned as an author of eight thrillers for young adults. First off, there’s the fascinating business of book publishing – what makes a good cover? How much money do I make per book? I talk about the essential ingredients required for a satisfying thriller, and finally I reveal my toolkit for excelling at anything creative. I leave room at the end for questions.
My most popular workshop, How to Write A Thriller, explores the nuts and bolts of thriller writing. Through discussion and exercises, I explain how character, plot, setting, and misdirecting the reader are used to best effect.
Details
Preferred age range:Year 7 upwards
I also do a sixth-form workshop (particularly useful for students doing the Elements of Crime-Writing component of AQA A-level English Literature)
Maximum number in any one session:
Up to 30 in a workshop No maximum number for talks
No of sessions per day:
Max 4 sessions
Session Length:
Can be tailored to suit but usually an hour for a talk or a workshop
Areas prepared to travel to:
Anywhere if overnight expenses are met
Transport:
Train or car @ 45p per mile
Fees:
DBS/CRB:
Yes
Hold PLI (public liability insurance):
No
Website:
Twitter:
@SueWallman
Titles include:
Watch Your Back
Lying About Last Summer
See How They Lie
Your Turn To Die
Dead Popular
I Know You Did It
Such A Good Liar
Every Word A Lie
Testimonials:
"I cannot recommend Sue enough. She was professional and confident, at the same time as being approachable and caring with all the students. She was able to make even the most reluctant students write a range of opening lines and offered them valuable feedback on how to improve their work. In short, they all loved her and have already asked when she can come back."
Ratcliffe College, Leicester
"We were very happy to be able to welcome Sue Wallman into Waldegrave to talk to Year 7 & Year 8. Sue's books are among the most popular in the LRC and the students were excited to meet her. Her talk was engaging, focusing on book covers and where she gets her ideas from. Sue was very approachable and the students asked lots of questions. She was able to make the most reluctant readers write a range of opening lines during her workshop and we'd love to have her back to visit us again."
Waldegrave School
"Sue’s talk to Year 8 and 9 students at the Hounslow Teen Read launch event last November was varied, lively and perfectly pitched for her audience. It offered a fascinating insight not only into Sue’s own writing, but into the whole publishing process. Her warm and engaging personality shone through, and feedback from both students and staff was excellent. Sue was an absolute pleasure to work with and we have invited her back again this year!"
Hounslow School Library Service
Other information:
I am a former magazine journalist and secondary school librarian and often bring in elements of what I learned in those jobs to my talks and workshops.