I recently had the pleasure of working with the BBC on the Northwest launch of their 500 Words Story competition at Blackley Academy in Greater Manchester.
The BBC Team wanted an event that would fire imaginations and encourage even the most reluctant writers to enter the biggest story competition in the UK. And it was to be filmed by Northwest Tonight. No pressure there then.
But rather than let the imposter syndrome take over, I practised what I preach, brought out my inner LARP warrior and went for it. The event was amazing fun and such a success I have decided to add it to my festival and schools event portfolio.
“I just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU for today! You were absolutely brilliant – the sessions were so engaging and fun, and the kids really loved taking part. I’ve already had such positive feedback from the school.”
Usman Mullan, Producer I 500 Words I BBC Children’s and Education
If you’d like to get teachers riding unicorns, witness giant chickens showing off their skateboarding skills and maybe do a bit of mythic cat dancing, all while creating great stories, then drop me a line via the contact page on my website and I’ll bring my box of story inspiration your way.
Event Format:
- Marie will share her writing inspiration and fire imaginations as she talks about how she creates unique stories and characters by giving myth and fairy tale an unexpected contemporary twist;
- Children will be encouraged to dive into Marie’s box of story magic as Marie uses a range of props to illustrate how story ideas are everywhere if we just use our imagination. (And, yes, Marie might just get your grownups riding a unicorn here!)
- Familiar with mixing up the unexpected, children will create their own character and write the opening to their story;
- Supporting resources will allow children to continue their story after the session at home or in the classroom.
“You were fabulous – the pupils loved it”
Sara White, Deputy Head I Blackley Academy
If you want to inspire large numbers of children to write while having heaps of fun, then this could be the session for you. Can be delivered as an inspirational assembly / festival event or as a standalone creative writing workshop. The event can also be mixed and matched with my other creative writing workshops, allowing children to delve deeper into the craft.
Get in touch now!
Marie Basting - Children's Author, Manchester 