December Artist of the Month – Karen Langtree
Our December ‘Artist of the Month’ is the wonderful author Karen Langtree.
About Karen Langtree
Karen Langtree has been a published author for the last 10 years, writing book for all ages, from pre-school to teens and adults. She used to be a primary school teacher and loves going into schools to inspire creativity in the children, especially in the areas of writing, story-telling and song. Karen has been published internationally in the last few years in places as far afield as Australia and South Africa. She loves seeing her books translated into other languages.
What a visit from Karen entails
Primary Schools
Her visits vary, according to the focus of the school and age of the pupils. She has lots of different workshops and likes inventing bespoke workshops to meet your needs. She does interactive assemblies, (sometimes involving songs) inspiring children to explore their potential and believe in themselves.
One of her most popular author days involves bringing along a live character from her book, Knights of the Wobbly Table…to date her best seller. Sir Trumpsalot brings lots of laughs and excitement, playing a full part in drama, singing, role play, Q & A sessions. All the activities are designed to bring the children to a point where they develop their own creative writing, at the same time inspiring them to want to delve into the wonders of reading books.
Musicals and using music to enhance Literacy
Karen is a teacher of piano and singing: a skilled musician and composer of musicals for schools, which can be purchased on her website and also through Kevin Mayhew Ltd. She often involves those musical skills in her author visits. She does a day called Making a Musical, (suitable for Years 5&6) which involves using language skills, writing play scripts, lyrics, poetry, story composition, drama, the highlight being song writing in small groups with Karen’s guidance at the keyboard.
Secondary Schools
Years 7 – 10
Dystopian Workshop
Based on Karen’s Dystopian Trilogy set in 2066 in the North of England.
Breaking Silence
Breaking Lies
Breaking Up
Karen presents a one-hour workshop with Power point presentation, talking about the process of writing the books, her inspirations, research, a Dystopian quiz and Q&A time.
Feedback from Karen’s previous visits
“Wonderfully fun way of teaching rhyme and rhythm. Full participation – all children (and adults) engaged and involved in activities – super pace – multi sensory approach – perfect!”
North Frodingham Primary, East Yorkshire
“Children loved hearing about your inspiration for stories and were fully engaged during the practical session. Some great ideas have been generated this morning.”
The Minster School, York
“The visit provided children with both motivation and ideas for writing. Thanks for a brilliant day.”
Pattishall School, Northants
Read about Karen and her author visits on her author page here
Interview with Karen Langtree
When and why did you join Authors Abroad?
I joined Authors Abroad about 7 years ago (can’t quite remember) because I wanted to be available to more schools and Authors Abroad seemed the ideal way to do it.
After such a disruptive and unpleasant few years, will you be doing anything extra special this Christmas?
Yes. We will be having my grown-up children come to spend Christmas at our house. That is all the special I need.
You work with a wide range of ages and have books to suit a huge span – is there an age group you find easier to write for? Or does it depend on your mood?
I find the 7 to 11 age group easiest to write for. I think this is because I used to teach this age group and I love their sense of humour. I think I share it. You might think writing a picture book is easier, but I would disagree. Every word has to be pondered so carefully. Clarity, alliteration and rhythm are important to how the book will sound when read out loud to that age group. Having said that, I absolutely love writing picture books and have one in production at the moment.
What is your favourite thing about visiting schools?
Oh wow! There is so much to love. The reception from the children is probably the most amazing thing. I am humbled by how they warm to me/us (when Sir Trumpsalot comes too) and get totally immersed in what we present to them, whether it be songs, drama, silly costumes, big junk modelling of imaginary worlds, story-making ideas… they just throw themselves into it. I love to come away from a day in school and believe that we have inspired the children to love stories and that they might want to snuggle up with a book, or write a story – just for fun!
Do you manage to keep a straight face when your partner joins you on primary school visits dressed as a knight? Is it a sight you get used to?
Haha! I’m so used to it now, it doesn’t faze me. We just both get into character and we’re off! I love having a knight, in… not-so-shining armour, accompany me on visits! I’d never have thought my husband would do something like this, but now I think he was born for it! He absolutely loves becoming Sir Trumpsalot and making the children guffaw with laughter, especially when he does a rap in the Ballad of Sir Trumpsalot!
Do you believe everyone has creative potential?
Absolutely. No matter what area your creativity may flow in, I think everyone has it. The key to unlocking it, is encouragement and exploration. Einstein is one of my heroes. He said many great things about imagination, but this is one quote from him that I love, “Creativity is intelligence having fun!” So true! And who knows where it will lead…
What does music and song mean to you? A challenge, relaxing, a joy?
Hmmm… stories or music, stories or music? Can’t chose which I love most. Music is all of the above at different times. My favourite times are when I can combine the two, and I have done that many times in writing musicals and songs for schools. I’ve written musicals about Grace Darling and Noah, as well as my favourite; Angel Small. It has been performed internationally, but I love it when a local school puts it on, and we can go and watch. My husband and I cry every time. What a joy it is to see your work brought to life by children, especially the Nativity story. Can’t describe how that makes me feel.
Where did the inspiration for your Dystopian Trilogy come from? Is it difficult to write such serious and scary books about the future?
It certainly took me a long time to write the trilogy. I think it took about 5 years to finish the three books. I am a music teacher as well as a writer, so I didn’t have a free schedule just to write. It was very hard fitting it all in. I used to get up very early to write (sometimes in the middle of the night when ideas would not let me sleep). The trilogy was inspired by several things: 1. Reading other dystopian fiction. 2. Thinking about the future of this country and what if people decided to go back to more Victorian ways of dealing with things? 3. What if the government wanted to get rid of the surplus population? (very Dickensian) 4. I was wondering about futuristic technology and medical advances because I introduced a plague into the country. (Feels a bit spooky in the light of recent events!)
I loved writing the trilogy, despite finding it incredibly difficult too. Confidence was my main issue at first. The plot is so complicated, the dystopian world so difficult to build convincingly, that I often wondered if I could do it. But by the end of the trilogy, I was so sad to say goodbye to my characters. I was totally immersed in their lives. Someone once asked me how I could write a book like Angel Small, then turn to something so dark and thrilling. That’s the joy of a big imagination, I guess.
What’s your favourite professional musical?
It’s probably The Sound of Music. A blast from my childhood. I saw it on the stage in London a few years ago too. However, I am going to see Six in January and I took my son to see Hamilton in London a couple of years ago. For a special birthday I got to see The Carole King Musical on Broadway. I could go on and on… I love musicals!
Do you have a memorable moment from when you have made a musical in a day with students?
I can’t remember a specific moment, but as part of the day, the children make up songs in small groups, with me on the keyboard giving guidance. Each group makes a song to fit into a particular part of the plot we’ve come up with. Then they perform them at the end to each other. I love that moment. (I’m actually getting goose bumps as I write this!) They get so into their songs, acting their parts and singing enthusiastically, because they’ve created the song.
Tell us about your involvement with the Archbishop of York’s Trust? What work do you do for the cause and how would you describe the work the trust does?
The Trust produces materials for schools, from KS1 to KS4. Schools can go to their website and download the material. www.archbishopofyorkyouthtrust.co.uk I helped to create the materials for the KS1 Young Leaders Award. I wrote the stories that tell of a girl called Gracie, who learns about the 4 characteristics promoted by the award: Perseverance, Teamwork, Kindness and Action. My illustrator partner, Gill McLean did all the artwork and of course, I wrote a funky song for the award, called ‘Small Steps, Big Changes.’ I then went with Rozy, from the Trust, to do some initial promotional work in school. I loved being part of such a positive thing it. And the awards have had such encouraging feedback from teachers.
Have you got any more books planned?
Yes. I’ve got a new Christmas picture book in production, which will be out in 2022. It’s written in rhyme and is called Santa’s Dreams. It tells the story of Santa the night after Christmas Eve, when he is fast asleep, dreaming of doing other things. So, you meet Santa the cowboy, Santa the spaceman, Santa the deep sea diver, and my favourite; Santa the pirate, Whitebeard! Aaahargh me hearties! Can’t wait to see the finished book. I’ve had a sneak preview of some of the illustrations by the talented Holly Bushnell.
You are one of the acts featured on the Authors Abroad video subscription scheme – how was it filming yourself? What do you hope young people take away from watching your videos?
I have to say I don’t like filming myself, but it has become a necessity over the last few years. It’s always my hope to inspire children to read more for pleasure. And I hope that through the scheme, I will be back visiting more schools in person in 2022, because you can’t beat that live interaction.
Has the pandemic meant you have increased your tech skills? Or were you always quite tech savvy?
Haha! My husband always comes to me to solve his tech issues, so I think I was always doing okay with it. But I’ve certainly become more knowledgeable about Zoom, making videos and book promotion online.
How does writing a book differ from writing a play? Do you have a preference?
I think I prefer writing a book. A play is much more dialogue based and you have to remember to add specific stage directions. For me, a book flows more easily. I think that with scripts you need people to test run it for you a few times so you can know where to make the edits needed. Angel Small has had several revisions and additions.
Do you feel music and the written word can engage even reluctant learners?
Oh yes. More combining of the two please. Lyrics and memorable tunes can really help. Rhyming can help make books more memorable and often funny. It’s like when you teach toddlers nursery rhymes, it is very much a part of pre-reading skills.
Quick Fire
Paperback or kindle?
Paperback, except for big heavy books!
Ability to fly or breathe under water?
Fly.
Favourite place to write?
A cottage in Northumberland, with a log fire, a teapot with knitted tea cosy, instrumental music in the background and someone to cook for you.
Track most likely to get your toes tapping?
Impossible question! I’m going for Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody
Starter or pudding?
Starter.
If you were Prime Minister for the day, what law would you introduce?
Ban fossil fuels. Let’s get real about saving our planet!
Arrange for Karen Langtree to visit your school
To make an enquiry about Karen, or any of the other authors, poets & illustrators listed on this website, please get in touch. Our office number is +44 (0) 1535 656015,
UK visits
Email: UKbookings@caboodlebooks.co.uk
Or contact Head of UK Visits, Yvonne - 01535 279850
Overseas Visits
Email:Overseasvists@caboodleboverseasvisits@caboodlebooks.co.ukooks.co.uk
Or contact Overseas Manager, Robin - +44(0) 1535 279853