Marie Basting

Cringey Self-Promo Moment!

One of the hardest things I have had to overcome as an author is the embarrassment associated with promoting my books. I’m fine chatting on social media, but I’m not somebody who finds it easy to blow their own trumpet. Shouting about your achievements isn’t something working-class girls from the North were brought up toContinue reading “Cringey Self-Promo Moment!”

Auntie Medusa and Me: Discover Roman Traditions This Christmas with a Free Virtual Visit or Author Letter

Did you know my book Auntie Medusa and Me is set in the run-up to the Christmas holidays? It also heavily features Saturnalia – the Roman festival that gave us many of our Christmas traditions. I would love to send your KS2 class a seasonal message wishing them happy holidays and telling them all aboutContinue reading “Auntie Medusa and Me: Discover Roman Traditions This Christmas with a Free Virtual Visit or Author Letter”

Inspiring Young Creatives with My Family and Other Romans

I recently received a letter from a reader and their tutor containing some amazing fan art and creative writing pieces inspired by my book My Family and Other Romans. It really is the best feeling when you learn how your books have inspired young people to create their own words and images. And that feelingContinue reading “Inspiring Young Creatives with My Family and Other Romans”

BBC 500 Words Story Commission Inspires New School and Festival Event

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 wasContinue reading “BBC 500 Words Story Commission Inspires New School and Festival Event”

Meet Your Favourite Authors on the Great North Tour!

Just one week to go to the Great North Author Tour when I’ll be joining eleven other fantastic children’s authors on a two hundred mile minibus journey around the North East of England. Our purpose – to visit five brilliant indie bookshops as we round off #IndependentBookShopWeek. Please come along and support your local bookshop.Continue reading “Meet Your Favourite Authors on the Great North Tour!”