One of the greatest joys of being an author is visiting schools, libraries or festivals.

This is quite a miracle as public speaking was once my greatest fear

(now it’s brush tailed possums and reverse parking my station wagon).

A typical session will run for 45-50 minutes, plus question time, and involve either:

 

 

1. An interactive reading / performance of one of my books.  

Students are invited to act out scenes from the book, with the help of audio visual aids/dress ups/props.

Practical writing tips and personal reflections are threaded throughout these sessions.

I always aim for moments of fun and laughter, alongside periods of deeper reflection

and vulnerability as themes are explored.  

 

2. Writing Workshops  

These can be adapted in all sorts of wonderful ways to meet school needs.

My personal recipe for ‘Turning Lemons into Lemonade’ has a good record of engaging
and inspiring young writers to find their inner  masterpiece.

 

One of my favourite workshops is based on the email trail around ‘The Second Sky’.

Students are given insight into the author/editor relationship, and the journey from first draft to final product.

My ‘Search for the Missing Sentence’ session involves a series unfinished manuscripts

that students are encouraged to complete. 

            

All of my visits are designed to celebrate:

- A love of reading and writing

 - The virtues of courage and kindness

- The joys of being a kid 

    

Hope to see you soon!

Patrick

 

Other publicity or review copy requests can be directed to mailto:

HGEpubilicity@hardiegrant.com.au

 

I also like to share the experiences of my readers through my blog on the website
so if you have some feedback on the books or a picture of your great adventures,
being kind/silly/brave or dressing up you can send this to me.