Booked in, Booked out!
When it comes to public speaking, l'm at home talking to my two kids. When I say 'at home' I mean at home, at my house, usually telling them to tidy their rooms.
So when, suddenly, I found myself in a school hall with 180 kids crossed-legged on the floor in front of me, I was a little shaky. Think about it: I'm out of my house, out of my comfort zone, talking to kids who aren't my kids (but who are infinitely better behaved)... And it was.... ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT! I had an amazing time, talking about JIM REAPER, the early creation of stories, the importance of stories for our brains (for the future of mankind, even!), and revealing how easy it really is to come up with story that'll knock the socks off your English teacher.
Huge thanks to St John's Primary in Bath who eased me gently into the world of public speaking with the whole of KS2 in one go!.... We had huge belly laughs and tremendous Bazoom! impressions. I'll admit I was nervous at first. So nervous my heart thumped louder than a postman carrying an over-sized parcel at a door with no bell. But you got me over that with your warmth and tremendous keenness to participate. Your Bazoom! pictures were brilliant! Or Bazilliant! And your book recommendations were terrific.
Then on to Kingscourt School in Waterlooville. Such an idyllic setting, with great teachers and such involved kids, all of whom were desperate to throw their 'WHAT IFs' over everything to create some fabulous on-the-spot stories with me. I had no idea that What-If Woman would be my alter-ego until I stood in front of you lot. You inspired me! You were all smashing, and I can't wait to see you again one day.
And then to Havant Academy. Older kids, louder kids - but kids who loved to speak up and share all sorts of one-the-spot stories. The Day I Did Britain's Got Talent was up there. As was The Day I Visited My Nan And She Sucked My Brains Out. I was particularly tickled by The Day I Visited Sandy Balls And Turned Yellow And Got Lost in the Sand FOREVER. Even the story about a farting dog had some merit... :) You were all friendy and funny and I'm sorry we didn't get round to finishing the workshop. Perhaps you'll let me come back.
Do send your smoothie ideas to me - but remember, all ingredients have to be edible, and the smoothies need a name! I'll be choosing a couple for book 3 in the Jim Reaper series, and you'll be thanked in the back of the book!
Thanks to all the kids who helped my World Book Day tour such a success.
And remember... Keep reading. Keep the robots at bay!
So when, suddenly, I found myself in a school hall with 180 kids crossed-legged on the floor in front of me, I was a little shaky. Think about it: I'm out of my house, out of my comfort zone, talking to kids who aren't my kids (but who are infinitely better behaved)... And it was.... ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT! I had an amazing time, talking about JIM REAPER, the early creation of stories, the importance of stories for our brains (for the future of mankind, even!), and revealing how easy it really is to come up with story that'll knock the socks off your English teacher.
Huge thanks to St John's Primary in Bath who eased me gently into the world of public speaking with the whole of KS2 in one go!.... We had huge belly laughs and tremendous Bazoom! impressions. I'll admit I was nervous at first. So nervous my heart thumped louder than a postman carrying an over-sized parcel at a door with no bell. But you got me over that with your warmth and tremendous keenness to participate. Your Bazoom! pictures were brilliant! Or Bazilliant! And your book recommendations were terrific.
Then on to Kingscourt School in Waterlooville. Such an idyllic setting, with great teachers and such involved kids, all of whom were desperate to throw their 'WHAT IFs' over everything to create some fabulous on-the-spot stories with me. I had no idea that What-If Woman would be my alter-ego until I stood in front of you lot. You inspired me! You were all smashing, and I can't wait to see you again one day.
And then to Havant Academy. Older kids, louder kids - but kids who loved to speak up and share all sorts of one-the-spot stories. The Day I Did Britain's Got Talent was up there. As was The Day I Visited My Nan And She Sucked My Brains Out. I was particularly tickled by The Day I Visited Sandy Balls And Turned Yellow And Got Lost in the Sand FOREVER. Even the story about a farting dog had some merit... :) You were all friendy and funny and I'm sorry we didn't get round to finishing the workshop. Perhaps you'll let me come back.
Do send your smoothie ideas to me - but remember, all ingredients have to be edible, and the smoothies need a name! I'll be choosing a couple for book 3 in the Jim Reaper series, and you'll be thanked in the back of the book!
Thanks to all the kids who helped my World Book Day tour such a success.
And remember... Keep reading. Keep the robots at bay!