Visiting Author

Barbara Mitchelhill

Biography

Barbara began writing for children after her two daughters, Susie and Sally were born. Every morning, she would teach in a school at Bridgtown in Cannock and every afternoon, she would write stories before her daughters came home from school. But she became busier and busier as a writer and so decided that she would have to give up teaching. Even though she doesn't teach any more, her writing has taken her all over the UK to schools, libraries and book festivals.

She has a dog called Ella (a border terrier) and enjoys taking her for walks over the fields. It's a great way to think up stories.

Event synopsis

How to be a Detective
Years 3 to 5
Maximum: 90 pupils
In addition to readings from How to be a Detective and Kids on the Run, this talk is interactive and some children will have the opportunity to become detectives and put on disguises. Others may be chosen to try and find the secret compartment in a large black holdall where stolen diamonds are hidden.

Writing a Thriller
Years 5 to 6
This talk is based on Storm Runners and pupils will discover where the original idea came from and how the characters were developed. The session is lively, interactive and great fun, with the children breaking a code and finally searching for a vital CD. As always, there will be time for the all-important questions and answers.

How a Book is Made
Years 4 to 6
Maximum: 30 pupils
Following the progress of a book from inspiration to publication. Barbara will bring along original manuscripts, art work, contracts and proofs from her books to bring alive the experience of writing a book. This talk will be interactive as pupils prepare their own 'book' for publication. Teachers might like to use this as an opportunity to focus on the children's written work and it could be used in conjunction with a story pupils have written themselves.