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Life and Happiness
“Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know which one you’re gonna get.” Remember who said that? It was Forrest Gump. I love that film don’t you? I find it impossible to say that quote, though, without adding the southern lilt (even if it’s in my head). I love...
How our senses can evoke memories
French novelist, Marcel Proust, famously wrote about the childhood memories that came flooding back to him when he dipped a Madeleine in a cup of tea. He had been feeling down up until this point, but the taste of the cake evoked in him, memories of being a child when...
Rituals and the importance of routine
My thoughts for today are on the importance of rituals and routine. We’re creatures of habit are we not? When the children were small, they needed a routine in place for them. It was so much easier on us all if we knew what to expect out of our day. As an adult, I...
Thoughts on being an introvert
I’ve been thinking a lot recently, about being an introvert and what that means. I guess that’s something an introvert might typically do, but it’s helped me gain an understanding of the type of person I truly am. I often joke, there’s a reason why I’m a writer and...
Chiddingstone Castle Literary Fair
Over the May Bank Holiday, I took part in the Chiddingstone Castle Literary Fair. The fair, which takes place both inside the castle and around the ground, runs from Saturday to Tuesday and this was it’s fourth year. I was there on Family Day, running workshops with...
In defence of the reluctant readers
You know how much emphasis I put on the importance of reading, and on encouraging children to love stories and enjoy writing. Today though, I’m championing the reluctant readers out there, those who feel the pressure of being constantly told they must read more. I am...
Nurturing responsibility and respect
‘You’ve cancelled the cleaner?’ A friend said. ‘Why on earth would you do that?’ I have to admit, it was a throw-the-toys-out-of-the-pram moment that led to me giving notice on our weekly clean, but it was costing me over £50 a week of my hard-earned money, and the...
Middle grade book review – Once, by Morris Gleitzman
My book recommendation for April is one that both myself and my reluctant reader approve of. She read it in a few days, which, for someone who can take weeks-to-months to read a book, is a huge achievement. There are two reasons why she flew through Once, by Morris...
Is handwriting still important in the modern world?
Although many would argue handwriting is a dying art, learning to write by hand is an important part of development, covering everything from hand-eye coordination, to cognitive and fine motor skills, gross motor skills and core strength. The brain works in a...
Why should you encourage your child to take up creative writing?
Creating writing as a holistic approach to education and wellbeing. Creative writing is a great way to inspire a child’s imagination. It is about much more than just improving English skills. Being able to write creatively helps children become better communicators,...
Book review – Emily Knight, I Am…
“Emily Knight is a teenage warrior who comes from a legendary warrior family so she is destined to be a hero” As a change from my usual monthly book review, I have an interview with Middle Grade and Ya author, Abiola Bello, this month, about her book series, Emily...
Why do children spend so much time online?
Which aspects of the internet tap into kids’ interests? Recent Ofcom research examined in-depth data collected from a panel of 40 boys and girls, aged 4-16, from around the UK. The children kept seven-day diaries and were interviewed regarding what they watch and why....
The Boy at the Back of the Class – Book Review
This month, my book recommendation for the middle grade category is, The Boy at the Back of the Class, by Onjali Q.Rauf. Told from the point of view of nine year old Alexa, this book looks at the refugee crisis as seen through a child’s eyes. For Alexa and her...
How can a small business communicate with customers?
What are the best ways for a small business to communicate with customers? In addition to being an author, I've been a freelance copywriter for seven years and I own an run a creative writing club. I may not have premises or staff, but nevertheless, I am a small...
Setting intentions for the year ahead
I don’t make new year’s resolutions any more. Instead, I’ve entered into 2019 with intentions about what I want from this year, and equally, what I don’t want. As the saying goes, ‘start as you mean to go on’, and with any luck, taking this approach will set the tone...
The Skylarks War – Book Review
My aim for 2019 is to recommend a children’s middle grade fiction book each month, so here goes. January’s recommendation is The Skylarks War, by Hilary McKay. Although it’s aimed at children aged 9-12, The Skylarks War is a book that can be enjoyed by children and...
Reflecting on a year of creative writing at the Storymakers Club
As the year draws to a close, it always feels fitting to reflect on the year gone by. The Storymakers Creative Writing Club has grown from humble beginnings in 2017, to a fully established club, with a wonderful community. The last twelve months have been amazing. In...
How to improve your writing – Writing courses for both children and adults
I have been helping people improve their writing for a long time. Using words is a powerful way to communicate, and businesses understand that. We may live in a digital world, but we can’t ignore the need to reach out to customers, to stand out from the competition...
After-school creative writing groups – Pen Pal Club at Storymakers
Did you ever have a pen pal? Did you regularly write letters to friends? Recently, I shared a picture on Instagram of a box of old letters I’d kept, dating back to my early teens. I remarked on how this box of letters is my teenage life, catalogued. It is my email...
Does creating a more positive learning environment impact on children’s attitudes towards reading and writing?
In a recent survey, the National Literacy Trust looked at the relationship between attitudes towards reading and writing and mental wellbeing amongst children. The results suggest children who have a more positive experience with regards to reading and writing are...