Visits

I love taking part in literary events. It’s great to meet real readers in schools, libraries and bookshops and at festivals. I offer readings; talks about my work as an author and writing workshops for primary school children and adults. I live in the south and I’m able to visit you if I can travel to your organisation and back in a day.

Here are the types of session that I offer. I’m flexible so if you have something different in mind then please ask me about it.

Sharing Stories

• Suitable for pre-school and reception children.
• Content - I read my books with the children and share story related artifacts.

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How A Book Is Made

• Suitable for year 1 through to year 6.
• Each talk is tailored to suit the age of the year group.
• Content -  How books are made, from how I became an author, to where my ideas come from, the writing process and the publisher’s role in creating the final product. This can take the form of a power point presentation. I end with a question and answer session.

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Writing Workshops

• Suitable for year 2 through to year 6.
• Workshops are tailored to suit the age of the year group.
• Length 1 hour
• Type of workshops include:
  The Name’s Bond – how to create cool characters.
  Look Who’s Talking – how to write great dialogue.
  I Have a Cunning Plan – planning a story that will keep your readers hooked; from that gripping beginning; page turning middle and on to a satisfying end.

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FAQ’s

How many children will you talk to at each session?
A class at a time is ideal but I will talk to a whole year group if this enables every child in the school to take part in my visit.

Do you need a room to work in?
I’ve found that it is much easier for everyone if I can stay in one place and the children come to me. It doesn’t have to be the school hall. I am used to working in music rooms, libraries or even a spare classroom.

Do you need any other resources?
A small table to put things on, a flip chart for writing workshops, a computer and screen for power point presentations…and I’m always grateful of a cup of coffee at break time!

Will you bring copies of your books to sell?
I don’t sell books but I will happily sign any books (written by me) if children and staff want to bring them in to school when I visit.

We have a book fair in school. Will you stay behind and sign books?
Yes, with pleasure.

How much will a visit cost?
My rates are in line with those recommended by The Society of Authors for an author visit. A visit can be either half a day or a whole day. Please e-mail, without obligation, for a quotation stating the school or organisation that you are representing. My email is authorjuliesykes.co.uk

What people say

…the response from the staff and children has been fantastic. I will definitely be recommending you when I go to the Literacy conference next term.

Deputy Head Teacher,
Marlow Church of England Infant School

…thank you so much for a fun day! The children have had a great day finding out more about you and I’m sure that you have inspired them to read more books.

Literacy Co-ordinator,
Downsend Leatherhead Lodge