Author Events

I’m the author of three acclaimed historical series—Spartapuss, Beowuff, and The Olympuss Games. My graphic novel London Deep was a Recommended Read for World Book Day in 2011. I’ve also co-written songs for musical adaptations of Julia Donaldson’s The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom, as well as Chris Riddell’s Something Else.

I love working with schools and have developed a series of interactive assemblies and creative writing workshops. I’ve led sessions for Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust and the Young Archaeologist Society, as well as visiting international schools in Germany, Malawi, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Cyprus, Bangladesh, Thailand, Kazakhstan, and China.

Make History Fun!

My assemblies bring history to life with hands-on activities covering the Romans, Celts, Vikings, Anglo-Saxons, Greeks, Egyptians, Stone Age, Bronze Age, Ice Age, Tudors, Great Fire of London, and Victorians. I also explore Shakespeare, science fiction, graphic novels, animal characters, the rainforest, pirates, volcanoes, and time machines.

Interactive Assemblies

My assemblies spark imagination by getting students actively involved. They won’t just hear about history—they’ll step into it, becoming Boudica rallying her warriors, hunters tracking a mammoth, sailors navigating the Argo, or Roman ‘master chefs’ creating ancient delicacies. They might even take on the role of embalmers, preparing a Pharaoh for the afterlife!

By experiencing these moments, students generate rich ideas for their writing. I guide them through the creative process—showing how ideas take shape, gain momentum, and develop into compelling stories. We explore what makes narratives stick, how to craft strong characters – the goal  being to build their confidence in their writing and foster a lifelong love of storytelling.

London Deep & Sci-Fi with Shakespeare

I also run workshops on science fiction and graphic novel writing, drawing from my London Deep series—a dystopian graphic novel series which is proving strangely prophetic! Writers can choose from a ‘serious’ rooted in reality sci-fi or embark on a pure flight of fancy.
In my Sci-Fi with Shakespeare sessions, I explore how timeless themes from the Bard’s plays—ambition, revenge, and identity—can be reimagined in futuristic settings, inspiring students to create stories that blend classic human struggles with imaginative sci-fi elements.

Large groups – no problem!

I’m experienced with groups of all sizes, from small classes to 90 students (my record is 180!). I tailor sessions for Reception to Year 9, with younger students focusing on ideas and character profiles rather than full stories.

Free Resource: Seven Tips for Story Writing

For my free PDF 7 Tips for Teaching Story Writing, email [email protected] with ‘Tips’ in the subject line.

To check availability and prices, email [email protected].