I am very happy to speak to groups of all kinds but please check what I offer below. If you are looking for something tailored to your specifications, please use the Contact Form or email me direct on visit@joannakenrick.com

School Visits

Because of the range of books I have published, I offer talks to two different age groups:

Ages 10-14 (Y6-Y9)

TALK. Based on my Sweet Hearts series (written under my married name of Jo Cotterill), I offer a talk to large groups of boys and girls aged 10-14 (though obviously, the books have more appeal to girls) about my career in writing and the inspiration behind some of the storylines and characters. I include a reading from one of the books and also encourage lots and lots of questions! I prefer to do a signing session after this talk wherever possible. The talk lasts an hour.

WORKSHOP. I offer a writing workshop for up to 20 children aged 10-14. This is based around finding inspiration and writing realistic dialogue. The children are expected to participate in fun writing exercises and are encouraged to share their work with the rest of the group. This workshop usually lasts 90 minutes but can be flexible.

Ages 13-16 (Y9-Y11)

TALK. I offer a talk to large groups of boys and girls based on a mixture of my books for Faber and Barrington Stoke. These include Red Tears (a novel about a girl who self-harms) and Mindset (a 'reluctant reader' story about terrorism and bullying). I talk about writing on topics that are socially sensitive and how I choose to tell the stories through characters' viewpoints. The talk lasts an hour and includes a reading from one of my books and a Q&A session. I prefer to do a signing session after this talk wherever possible.

WORKSHOP. I will work with up to 20 students on writing skills, which usually include some of the following: writing a gripping opening; character development; realistic dialogue and description. I encourage participation in writing exercises and will join in myself, showing how writing doesn't have to be complicated to be good. Be warned that this session will probably involve discussions on sensitive topics such as teenage pregnancy, homosexuality, bullying and other teenage issues. I work in a very open style and encourage students to express themselves throughout their writing. This session lasts 90 minutes and is particularly suited to mixed ability groups or those with SEN.

Talks to adults

I am happy to talk to book groups and writers' groups on my experiences in children's writing, in particular the difference between issue-based books (e.g. Red Tears) and commercial fiction (Sweet Hearts series). I am also very happy to talk about writing for 'reluctant readers' and writing for teenagers in general.

I am happy to visit libraries and to talk at festivals. Please contact me if you would like to discuss your event.

Fees

For school visits I charge £250 for half a day and £350 for a full day plus travel expenses if the event is a considerable distance from my West Oxfordshire home. These rates are in line with those suggested by the Society of Authors but can be negotiated depending on circumstances.