Marie Basting

Hello and welcome to my website. If you came here on purpose, you’ll already know this is the place to find out more about me, acclaimed author Marie Basting, and the funny books I write for children.

I love hearing from readers, so why not drop me a line via the contact form and do make sure to check out my blog for my latest news. Schools and event organisers, you can find out more about my fun, inspirational Roman and BMX themed presentations and workshops here. Or check out my free resources and reading guide.

Books

My books take inspiration from myth, history and fairytales, mixing up traditional stories and giving them a hilarious contemporary twist. You can find out more here or read a sample chapter and access easy order links on the Chicken House website.

The acclaimed Princess BMX is illustrated by the wonderful Flavia Sorrentino. Flavia also did the amazing cover art and chapter headings for My Family and Other Romans and Auntie Medusa and Me. Find out more about Flavia here.

Published by Chicken House, all my books can be ordered from your local book store or follow the links here. Why not be one of the first to read Auntie Medusa and Me and preorder now from your favourite bookshop.

When Marie Basting was fifteen, she was told by a careers advisor that girls like her don’t become writers. For a long time, she believed this. But then something magical happened and Marie finally came to realise that girls like her can do anything they want. Princess BMX is her debut novel.

Happy World Book Day 2024!
I love visiting schools over the busy World Book Day period but I know not all schools are able to bring in an author to help them celebrate. So, I thought I’d put together this video to wish you a very Happy World Book Day and to tell you a little bit about why booksContinue reading “Happy World Book Day 2024!”
My Family and Other Romans is Book of the Year
I am delighted to have been voted as a Books for Topics book of the year 2023. After shortlisting their top books, Books for Topics asked the teaching community to vote for their favourites and My Family and Romans came out top for KS2 curriculum support. What a way to end the year! Here’s whatContinue reading “My Family and Other Romans is Book of the Year”
Free Virtual Q and A Sessions
**** Click here for details of my in person workshops and school visits!**** I love connecting with readers and working with schools to encourage reading and writing for pleasure which is why I offer free virtual Question and Answer Sessions for schools in the UK and Ireland. How it Works Simply book your Q andContinue reading “Free Virtual Q and A Sessions”

Latest Insta Posts @marie_basting_author

So, I finally let go and sent back my final changes to Auntie Medusa and Me. Bye bye Medusa, see you in August when I really hope your snakes don't come back to bite me!!!

Today I started my first placement with writing charity @firststory_uk. For 8 wks, I'll be working with Yr 10s @coopfailsworth to foster creativity and allow the group to have their voice heard. How brilliant is that?

It’s been a long wait for @juliepikewrites' second novel, but Flame Chasers was 100% worth waiting for. I loved this magical seafaring adventure which has all the classic tropes but still manages to burn with originality. I know it will ignite the hearts of young readers too.

Well, that's good innit! Chuffed to be selected as a @booksfortopics 2024 recommended read alongside two of my favourite @chickenhousebooks authors.

Look what landed while I was away - the set text for Auntie Medusa and Me. How can you not want to pre-order a book with chapter headings like this?

So it is true, all roads do lead to Rome.

Totally love my new notebook, a gift from my lovely pal @susanbrownrigg.

Lovely to meet up with the fantastic @susanbrownrigg today! Writing friends really are the best 💜

If you are a nosy knickers like me you might be interested to read about my creative secrets in this week's Words and Pictures - the online magazine produced by @scbwi_british_isles. You might also discover my best bit of writing advice - basically don't listen to advice 🤣

Follow me on Twitter @riewriting