Hello and welcome to my website. If you came here on purpose, you’ll already know that this is the place to find out more about me, Marie Basting, and the funny books I write for children.
Latest News…
My latest middle grade adventure, My Family and Other Romans will be published 8th June 2023 and is available to preorder now. Find out more about my Roman timeslip adventure here.
I’ll be offering some exciting new events too.
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 stereotype-smashing, resilience building presentations and workshops here. Or check out my free Princess BMX resources and reading guide.
Bringing You Ancient Rome and BMX!

My funny books for children take inspiration from myth, legend and fairytale, mixing up these traditional tales, and giving them a humorous contemporary twist. You can find out more here or why not read a sample chapter and access easy order links on the Chicken House website.
Praise for Princess BMX
A daft and delicious fantasy.
The Guardian
Hillarious!
Book Trust
Brimming with humour, action, mystery, danger.
Lancashire Evening Post
Princess BMX is illustrated by the wonderful Flavia Sorrentino! Flavia also did the amazing cover art for My Family and Other Romans. Find out more about Flavia here.



Teachers! I am now taking bookings for my epic Ancient Rome-themed events. I often run promotions on my school visits and all sessions come with follow-up resources. You’ll also be provided with a teacher guide to support your creative writing and reading for pleasure. Visit my school visit page for further details.
Published by Chicken House, both Princess BMX and My Family and Other Romans can be ordered from your local book store or follow the links here.

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.
- My Family and Other Romans School VisitsI’m super excited to be taking bookings for my new My Family And Other Romans school and festival events – perfect for anyone teaching the Romans or looking to improve reading and writing for pleasure. I’ve pasted a little taster of the assembly event below but you’ll find full details on my events page or downloadContinue reading “My Family and Other Romans School Visits”
- Coming Soon – My Family and Other RomansI’m so excited to finally be able to share details of my next middle-grade novel, My Family and Other Romans, released 8th June by Chicken House Books. Just look at the gorgeous cover by Flavia Sorrentino! Flavia also did the cover for my debut novel, Princess BMX, and I was so happy when I heardContinue reading “Coming Soon – My Family and Other Romans”
- What Captain America Taught Me About VoiceI had an amazing time at the SCBWI Conference in Manchester last weekend. As well as being part of the team that brought the conference to the North, I also delivered my new voice workshop – What Captain America Taught Me About Voice – writing with superhero pow! As the writers out there will know,Continue reading “What Captain America Taught Me About Voice”
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