Seth Burkett - Writing

Seth Burkett

AIM High Writing

Summary

Age range KS1 and KS2
Books For age 7+
DBS Checked Yes

Booking
Contact
+44 (0)1535 656015
aimhigh@caboodlebooks.co.uk

Seth Burkett uses his experiences as a professional footballer in Brazil and MA in English literature to tell engaging football stories. Inspired by his gran, herself a writer, his two interests in life have always been football and writing.

About Seth

At 22 years of age Seth became the youngest person to be shortlisted for the British Sport Book Awards when his debut title, The Boy in Brazil, was shortlisted. This has led to ten other books, including children’s fiction titles and several ghostwritten books, including for two of the world’s biggest YouTubers. Most recently he has collaborated with Matt Oldfield to write Play Like Your Football Heroes, published by Walker Books.

Having previously worked for brands such as Nike and Rolls-Royce as a copywriter and social media manager, Seth now dedicates himself to writing, speaking, and his work as a publisher with Floodlit Dreams. Such experience is reflected in his persuasive writing workshop, where participants are tasked to create their own marketing journey for a product.

He continues to play sport and currently competes in the FA Futsal National Super League having recently returned from a stint playing professional football in Sri Lanka.

Seth’s AIM High Writing Days

Creative Writing - Suitable for KS1 and KS2

Participants will experience the author process from start to finish. After a brief introduction to life as an author, Seth will share the process he goes through when crafting his own books. From building word sets and brainstorming plots to developing characters, participants are given the tools to go ahead and write their own short story. Following this, writers work collaboratively to edit each other's work.

When the text is ready, it's time to start thinking of what comes next. Seth shares how to grab attention instantly with a blurb, while covers and titles are discussed.

To finish the day, writers consider how to market their work. Press releases are written, social media campaigns are crafted and launch events planned.

Biography - Suitable for KS2

Seth's non-fiction AIM High Day focuses on biography. To start, writers are introduced to the different types of biography. Together, we come up with interesting points that a biography should cover. Specific focus is then given to the opening chapter. After discussing some examples, tools to quickly draw readers' attention and add suspense are shared. Following this, writers pen a short piece from their own life as an autobiography.

Next up, writers work in pairs to ghostwrite the first chapter of each other's autobiographies. They interview each other, coming up with interesting questions to ensure interesting answers. Writers are encouraged to listen carefully to the way their partner speaks, picking up on any slang or favourite words they hear so that they can expertly catch their subject's voice.

By now, writers have a good understanding of what makes for an interesting biography. The final part of the workshop tasks writers to come up with a biography of a person of their choosing. Key details and events are covered, with writers taught how to effectively research their chosen subject and then write an original biography.

At the end of the day, writers will have three varying pieces of work. In pairs, they will pick their favourite piece. Their partner will then work with them on editing, helping to make the writing as attention-grabbing as possible.

Advertising (Persuasive Writing) Workshop - Suitable for UKS2

This can be tailored for both Gifted & Talented learners and as a Literacy Workshop

Seth gives an overview into the world of persuasive communication: advertising. After different concepts are introduced, participants are split into working groups. They are then given a real life brief from a major sport brand: there's a new football boot to be released and they need to come up with a name. After brainstorming, groups will be guided through the entire advertising process: from poetry manifestos and taglines to press releases, run a social media campaign, create posters, design a launch event and draft a press release. Expect plenty of visual and verbal communication!

Seth also offers school visits, click here for more information.

A Selection of Seth’s Books

BEING gay in football - as fan or player - is to risk the homophobia that has run through the game for years. But things are changing. Gradually a few brave professional players have come out. And someone like NEIL BEASLEY now feels able to tell his poignant and uplifting story in Football's Coming Out. Coventry City fan, player for Birmingham Blaze - National Gay Football Supporters Network League champions - as well as chairman of the club, Neil tells honestly of the pains of growing up gay in the sport and fighting for his right to enjoy the game he loves without prejudice.

Alfie Bennett is going to be a superstar. He is absolutely sure of it. Every second of his life is dedicated to football. And when he gets signed up by the famous Borough Academy, it looks as if he's well and truly on the way to achieving his dream. Yet life at Borough isn't all that it seems...

Bookings
To book Seth Burkett please contact
aimhigh@caboodlebooks.co.uk