SCHOOL VISITS AND WORKSHOPS
BRING STORIES TO LIFE AT YOUR SCHOOL!
Looking to excite your pupils about reading, writing and imagination?
As well as writing and illustrating quirky, story-rich books full of adventure, mystery and magic, I deliver interactive author talks designed to get Key Stage 2 children thinking like writers, seeing like illustrators, laughing like readers and asking brilliant questions.
WHAT’S INVOLVED?
A standard author visit session (45-50 mins) goes like this:
- Introduction and warm-up
- Reading #1 from ‘Archie & The Invisible Emporium’ and reactions
- Time-lapse reel showing cover creation
- Visualising a story:
- Time lapses of covers and internal pics
- Tips on illustration for avid doodlers
- Crazy ideas for character and objects
- Reading #2 from ‘Jet Pet’
- A sneak peek into the elements of a great story:
- The title, hero, villain, guide, inciting incident, highs and lows, stakes and changes – with examples
- Riffing on what might happen
- Reading #3 (if time) from ‘Door-To-Door Sally’
- Q&A to spark curiosity, develop confidence and gain insights
ADDITIONAL WORKSHOPS
the option to add an extra session on the day, or visit on a future date, for either:
- STORYWRITING WORKSHOP – Demystifying the process, you’ll dig deeper into the vital elements of a story, come up with stimulating ideas and learn how to create a satisfying narrative.
- ILLUSTRATION WORKSHOP – You’ll see how I draw characters, explore characters of your own, what to include in a picture and how to set the right tone so you can create an effective images for covers and interiors.
Why teachers book an author visit:
- A fresh way to support reading for pleasure
- Builds creative confidence in young writers
- Links with English/literacy curriculum objectives
- No lesson planning needed — just bring the class
- Easy to organise, fun to host, memorable for pupils
- Provides ideas to explore in the classroom
“The children and staff thoroughly enjoyed your visit, which helped us to build a wonderful buzz for World Book Day 🙂” – St George’s Primary, Colchester
interested?
what i’ll need
There are only a few essentials that make for a smooth-running author visit:
- A screen I can connect to from my MacBook Pro – I have an ADSL output that can usually feed into a TV/monitor or a projector.
- A cable for the above – if further than two metres away.
- A table – to display books during the presentation and later if selling and signing books
- Wi-Fi password – so I can access the Google slides and also enable contactless payments later
- Someone with technical knowledge – in case anything goes awry!
- A parking space – unless the school is in central Colchester!
- A teacher to always be present during the session – thank you!
book orders
There are two ways we can do this:
1. On the day:
I will bring display copies of my books, a very small amount of stock and plenty of order forms that parents can complete if I don’t have a copy of a book they want with me. I am able to take cash or contactless payments (I have a card reader).
I’ll then order the books myself and when they come through I’ll sign them, package them and deliver all orders to the school for distribution.
The turn-around for print orders is usually around two weeks, give or take a day or two.
2. Advance orders:
The easy way: children, parents and schools are welcome to order copies in advance of the visit from The Great British Bookshop at this link. (Also available on Amazon, if preferred). They can then bring them to me on the day and I will sign them!
Alternative way: I can supply a book order form for you to distribute to the children around 3-4 weeks in advance. You’ll then collect the forms, send them to me at least 2 weeks ahead of the visit, and I’ll then know the numbers of books to order and bring with me. I’ll have them signed and ready for the children, who should bring money or their parents can pay on the day. However, this feels like a lot of extra work! I generally stick with the two other methods above.
Finally: I am investigating using a Google form to collate orders instead of a paper form. I’ll update this page if this comes into place.
As ever, I am happy to sign any copies of my books during the visit, whenever and wherever they were obtained! 🙂
Pricing:
Standard author visit (45-50 mins): no charge if able to sell books and within 20 miles of Colchester.
Single workshop session (1 hour) : £150
Half day (2 sessions): £250
Full day (3–4 sessions): £400
Get in touch!
If you’d like to discuss an author visit at your school, simply email me at: doug@douglascaleb.com or use my contact form.
I’ll be back to you within 24 hours, if not 24 minutes!
“The girls were delighted to be able to talk to you about your experiences… they came away feeling very inspired for their futures.” – St Mary’s School, Colchester (careers event)
thanks for reading!
Meeting their audience and seeing first-hand what they love about stories is one of the most rewarding aspects of being an author. Looking forward to hearing from you!
