Asking me to visit
Please note : –RE Author events and school visits. Thank you for considering me, but for the moment I will not be available for events or school visits ( in person or virtual), not already scheduled.
More information about author visits is available on this link
Inviting me to Speak
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE AS A PDF
About Linda Strachan: Linda is registered on Scottish Book Trust’s Live Literature Database
Linda Strachan has written over 70 books for all ages, interests and abilities and, over the last 20 years, has helped to inspire thousands of young people and emerging writers through her events and writing workshops.
Perhaps best known for her Hamish McHaggis series for young readers, and her award-winning books for teenagers — Spider, Dead Boy Talking, and Don’t Judge Me — Linda has also written: picture books; books for reluctant readers; non fiction books; books for educational publishers; and a writing handbook for aspiring and newly published writers, Writers & Artist’s guide to Writing for Children and YA
She has presented to Conferences, Festivals,Schools and Libraries in the UK and abroad, including the Edinburgh International Book Festival, the Bath Children’s Festival, Kingston University writers’ Conference. Linda has visited Sydney, Australia, to speak to adult writers, and toured schools in North Island, New Zealand, with the New Zealand Book Council.
Linda has visited International schools including a visit to the Modern English School in Cairo, where she spoke to pupils of all ages from nursery upwards, and delivered creative writing workshops for the older pupils. (Testimonials about Linda’s events follow in the recommendations section below.)
Linda’s author sessions:
Linda delivers interactive, informative and fun author sessions, tailored specifically to different age groups, from the youngest children to the top of the senior school and for adult writers. She enthrals her audience with her energy and enthusiasm and is happy to speak to large or small groups. Her passionate approach is simple but effective and she firmly believes in encouraging emerging writers through a mixture of enthusiasm for her subject and sound, practical advice.
When children are engaged and gripped by what they read this can lead to a life long love of books and learning.
“Linda visited our school on World Book Day and provided a wonderful afternoon which kept over 100 Year 7 students, and their teacher, spellbound with her insights into the ideas and fascinating research which lie behind her books. The many questions asked by our students showed how much Linda’s knowledge and enthusiasm had inspired them to read and write even more. A truly inspiring afternoon and we look forward very much to welcoming Linda back again in the future.” Duham Johnston High School
For Conferences and Emerging Writers:
Linda will speak to large or small audiences. She has tutored adult writers on residential writing courses and spoken about writing for children at Conferences and to writers’ groups. Her writing handbook has been recommended by many well known children’s writers and on writing courses, and the new, expanded and fully updated edition The Writers and Artists Guide to Writing For Children and YA(Bloomsbury) looks at everything from starting to write, the many different areas of writing for children as well as what it means to be writer, and what to expect form a writing career, in the ‘now you are published’ section.
For ages 5 to 8:
Linda’s author sessions can focus on the Hamish McHaggis series. These stories feature an osprey, a pine marten and a hedgehog from Kent, as well as the loveable Hamish (a cuddly haggis). They follow the characters on a variety of adventures and cover topics such as: canals and transport; friendship and natural history; and family and traditions. There are free downloadable teachers’ resources for lesson plans and class work based around the series available here: http://www.scottishbooktrust.com/learning/teaching-resources/lower-primary/book-based-resources/hamish-mchaggis
For Ages 7 to 10+:
The Dangerous Lives of the Jacobites ( pub 2019) is a fact/fiction mix, is not only full of historical facts but also follows the story of Rob a young Jacobite who with his father, joins Bonnie Prince Charlie’s army and at the same time his younger sister Aggie shows us what life was like for the women left behind in the Highlands. From their daily life , what they ate, how and where they lived and what they wore, to how it felt to be hiding from the soldiers that were searching for Jacobites. With a full array of fabulous facts about the history behind the Jacobites, we follow the stories of all 5 Risings, and discover common misconceptions, such as that the Jacobites were not only Scots, they were English, Welsh, Irish and even French. With funny/ factual quizzes and things to make, props etc, this is a highly interactive session.
Other sessions might focus on tales and legends, such as Greyfriars Bobby, which retells the famous legend of a little dog’s loyalty to his master, and Gordon Gets Even, which opens up a discussion on bullying, in a positive way.
For Ages 11+:
Sessions follow the same format as those detailed below for older children, and will focus on Linda’s award winning books, Spider, Dead Boy Talking, and Don’t Judge Me.
These books deal with some difficult issues: however, the sessions are tailored to be age appropriate. Linda has run many events on these books for this age group. If you have any concerns about content or the subject matter of the books you are advised to read them beforehand, but please feel free to contact her to discuss it further.
For older children and young adults
Linda is happy to speak to large or small audiences and can provide hour- long author sessions featuring her YA (Young Adult) novels, the award winning Spider, and Dead Boy Talking, and her latest novel, Don’t Judge Me.
These books open up many opportunities for reflection and discussion about real life issues facing teenagers worldwide today. Linda leads the audience on a journey talking about decisions, actions and consequences; about loyalty, friendships and peer pressure – discussing her characters, how their lives will turn out and what can be learned from their stories. Using powerpoint presentation, she shows the lengths an author will sometimes go to in developing believable characters, plot and setting. She discusses her painstaking and detailed research including: visiting young offenders; meeting police liaison officers; shadowing paramedics; and watching firefighters in training.
There is always time for questions from the audience and following on from this Linda introduces the audience to the world of publishing, revealing and what it takes to produce a book from idea to bookshelf.
Creative writing workshops for children and young people of all ages and abilities:
Linda is also an experienced creative writing teacher. In her creative writing workshops (preferably with smaller groups) children are encouraged to explore ways of releasing their own creativity in developing characters to drive a plot forward, exploring voice and dialogue, and writing short stories. Very interactive with lots of short exercises that allow for creative ideas to be developed after the visit.
‘… inspirational in her writing and in a workshop situation.’
Creative writing workshops for Adults and CPD for Teachers
Linda can provide inspirational creative writing workshops on all aspects of writing for personal enjoyment or for publication for emerging writers, or those wanting to add to their skills. She also offers professional development courses for teachers on their own personal writing, or for Teaching creative writing in the Classroom.
Linda is always happy to sign copies of her books purchased or brought in on the day of her visit.*
Books:-
What Colour is Love? Introducing colours, animals and feelings to younger children.
The Hamish McHaggis Series: 10 books (with free downloadable teachers’ resources)
Greyfriars Bobby The story, of a little dog whose loyalty to his master made him a legend.
The Singing Beetle (Big Cat Phonics)
Gordon Gets Even (Ginn)
Books for Teens/ Young Adults:-
Spider — Winner of the Catalyst Book Award 2010
Spider is on his last warning. If he’s caught joyriding again he’ll be sent down, no questions asked. He’s trying to stick to the straight and narrow but his girlfriend, Deanna, and mate Andy reckon he should risk one last run.
‘Fast paced and uncompromising’ The Herald
‘A triumph of teenage fiction’ : Mary Arrigan – The Irish Examiner
‘An intense ride…You can almost hear the wheels spin…Smell the tyres burn…’ Keith Gray -The Scotsman
‘Spider is fuelled with emotion. I couldn’t put it down until I’d read the last page.’ Waterstones
Dead Boy Talking
Josh has 25 minutes to live. Lying alone in a pool of blood, Josh hasn’t much time to think. Yesterday he stabbed his best mate, and now it’s happened to him. But there are questions he can’t get out of his head. Like, how did he get into this mess? Will anyone find him in time? Will his girlfriend forgive him, and what really happened to his older brother? As his life slips away, the events of the last 24 hours start to look very different.
‘A powerful story made more so by the author’s understated style of writing, never once does she veer into being preachy or a told-you-so tone, which would have teens running for cover. The fast pace and direct approach will have a particular appeal to reluctant readers. A definite must have for any school library’ The Bookette
‘I was totally hooked from the very first sentence — “In 25 minutes I will be dead” — it must have one of the most stunning, shocking opening pages of any book’ My Favourite Books
Don’t Judge Me
We all make snap judgements, about our friends, people we meet, and other people’s motives. But what if we’re wrong? What if a life depends on getting it right? Take four teens, an arsonist, and unreliable witness and four different motives. With life and death on the line —— Don’t Judge Me.
‘Strachan has done it again – a story that brings real teenagers to the page’ Ourbookreviews
‘ …as a reader I found myself making snap judgements only to get proved wrong.’ William Plain, Librarian, Knox Academy
‘I really enjoyed the book because it made me question my own decision of ‘who started the fire’. I liked how most of the book was narrated but at some points the book had the view of the character and I think this really made this book unique and interesting to read.’ Ciara: Teen Library Reading Group- Longniddry Library
Writers & Artists Guide to Writing for Children and YA
For aspiring, and newly- published writers. This offers advice on the whole business of writing for children from pre-school to teenage, from initial idea to publication and beyond.
An essential tool for anyone interested in the art, craft and business of writing. Malorie Blackman – Children’s Laureate
The advice in this book is utterly invaluable Nicola Morgan
A very valuable tool for any author about to enter this genre.’A Gardiner.
Recommendations: Author visits and events
‘We were delighted when Linda agreed to be one of the authors at our first Children’s Book Event at Turnberry. She really captivated her audience and brought her books alive!’ Turnberry Resort, Scotland
‘Speaking to children for an hour is no mean feat and you had them spellbound from beginning to end! We have had such wonderful feedback from parents and children themselves are hugely enthusiastic. I look forward to welcoming you to George Watsons College again in the very near future.’ Alison Adams. Principal Teacher, George Watsons College, Edinburgh
‘A thoroughly enjoyable session and I know the staff and students got a lot out of it.
At the end of school that day one S5 pupil, who had chosen to stay in the library to listen to your session, rushed in to borrow the last copy of Spider — a result!’
Rebecca Christine, Librarian: Mary Erskine’s Edinburgh S3 –
‘Linda was very kind and taught us different techniques for descriptive writing and saw our work and tried to improve it. While talking to us Linda treated us right for our age and was very pleasant. She talked about her books and read excerpts. She talked about overcoming writing block and some exercises to do; she taught us how to be more creative and how to stretch time in books. She gave us an exercise about making up a title and trying to write a story about it. I was so impressed by her writing that I bought her book.’ Solange Henan —Student: Modern English School, Cairo Year 9 –
‘Thank you very much indeed for the brilliant session. The children have been full of positive comments and all the library copies of the Hamish McHaggis books have disappeared into classrooms and schoolbags!’ Maureen Denham, Librarian: Hutcheson’s Grammar Glasgow P1 & P2 –
‘After your storytelling workshop I decided to give each of my grandchildren one of your books for Christmas. My 15year old grandson does not read books but, always the optimist, I bought him a copy of Spider. Imagine my surprise and speechlessness when two months later he informed his grandad ‘That book you gave me is awesome’ and proceeded to relate the story in detail. Thank you for making reading appealing enough to reach my grandson.’ Langholm Playcare Afterschool club & CPD for Play Leaders November
‘Linda really knows how to hold her audience’s attention. You could have heard a pin drop!’ International School of Aberdeen
‘Linda is one of those authors who not only nails it on the page, but is also a master at explaining how and why she writes what she writes.’ Philip Ardagh -The Guardian
Additional Information
A standard school author session lasts approximately 1 hour and the cost per session is £175 plus expenses (in line with Scottish BookTrust Live Literature Funding rates).
When looking at the cost please bear in mind that the fee for a one hour session covers:- all the time I spend going to and from your school, (which might take anything from an hour to 4-5 hours, or more), I will aim to arrive 30 mins prior to the event and may stay longer afterwards to sign books etc. All this is time that I am away from my desk and not writing. Also I am a self employed person with all the associated costs in admin etc.
Transport costs will be kept to a minimum, but travelling by car is charged at 45p per mile.
Normally creative writing workshops for schools last 90 minutes and can be tailored to any age and ability. These are suitable for smaller groups and are the same cost as an author session.
For Professional Development events and other types of speaking engagements, workshops and other events please contact me regarding costs, as these may vary.
For more information: Contact me on the contact page of this website. contact-links
Please ask me if you would like something particular, or if you want to discuss any aspect of asking me to come and speak at your school, college or club.
I live in South East Scotland and I enjoy travelling but if I am going to be travelling some distance it makes more sense to try and arrange several sessions in the area which will also reduce the expenses involved. So perhaps you might want to see if other schools, libraries or clubs in your area might be interested in asking me to visit, or ask me about it and I can try and see if I can arrange something.
If you have an interesting event or project you think I could contribute to, I would be happy to discuss it with you.I am always interested in new projects or ideas- so please get in touch!