Writing, storymaking or published books
I’m the author of the Action Words reading scheme (as Maureen Lynas) and have had three middle grade stories published by Nosy Crow – the magical and silly Witch School series starring Daisy Wart:
You Can’t Make Me Go To Witch School
Get Me Out Of Witch School
Help I’m Trapped At Witch School
I’m currently working on picture books- the first will be published next year- and a new slightly younger magical series.
Approach to writing
I play the ‘What if’ game a lot and I’m really interested in villains and how they drive the story. What if a villain is obsessed with ice cream? What if they wanted ALL of the ice cream? What would happen to Joe Bloggs, ice cream masterchef? I like to know the ending before I begin to write. And I like playing with words to get the best effect.
Key Stages worked with
Key Stage 2
(Although also KS 1 when my picture books have been published)
Useful links
Booking and practical information
All writers can be booked through the Education Officer with whom you have booked an object. They will help you sort out dates for a planning meeting and the practicalities of all the sessions with students. Schools taking part in Literacy Loans will need to be happy to use zoom, teams, google classrooms or another equivalent secure online platform.
The standard fee for one class to have three 40 minute sessions with our writers is £200. We may be able to help with the costs for schools with high levels of Pupil Premium funding or seeking to address specific issues with writing.
Em’s tips for teachers – There’s a big teacher presence on twitter for people interested in children’s books. Follow:
@PrimarySchoolBC for Primary School Book Club
@books_north for author and illustrator interviews
@MrEPrimary and @smithsmm for book recommendations
@AuthorsAloudUK for booking live and virtual visits.
Amazing writing
Take a look at these poems that Year 4 students from Bader Primary, in Stockton, created with Em in response to a Literacy Loans object.