January Artist of the Month – Stephen Davies
Our January ‘Artist of the Month’ is fantastic author Stephen Davies, who talks to us all about his writing career - and the exciting release of his latest book.
About Stephen Davies
Stephen Davies is an award-winning author of books for children and teens. His twenty-five books include Survivor Titanic and the ever-popular Hilda books, written to accompany the Netflix series.
What a visit from Stephen entails
As a former teacher himself, Stephen loves visiting schools. A normal author visit for Stephen involves a short assembly followed by four in-depth writing workshops. His most popular workshop is ‘How to Create an Interesting Character for a Story’. He also offers two themed writing days: one on Ancient Egypt, the other on the sinking of the Titanic.
A school librarian in Oxford writes: “Stephen had a lovely manner with the students, making them feel at ease to offer ideas. He led a whole school assembly as a powerful start to the day, and his key stage two workshops on building a character were particularly inspiring. Many teachers went on to use this in the classroom during the week with excellent results, and several reluctant writers went on to create their own stories. This was the best author visit we have ever had – thank you Stephen!”
Feedback from Stephen’s previous visits
“Stephen was fantastic! His assembly was clearly targeted to not just the age group but also school context in being accessible, full of images, and relatable content - making the thriller genre 'decoded' and understandable. The creative writing workshops went really well, giving high-attaining students an opportunity to think outside the box and beyond the curriculum. Students commented to me after about how smiley he was which was lovely to hear!”
Manor Community Academy
“It was a brilliant visit! It was creative, interesting and fun. The children have written some great stories based on Stephen's advice. They were all excited about going home to write in their own time and could not stop talking about it. They really enjoyed asking questions to Stephen and he gave some great, funny answers. The children were thrilled with the compliments he gave their writing in the workshop. We also appreciate that he told us we could send some of the best stories to him for some feedback which is very exciting for the children.
We always thoroughly enjoy his visits and look forward to the next one.”
Park Hall Junior Academy
“It was lovely to see Stephen on Monday. His workshops were excellent and he was delightful to everybody! We would happily have him back! Thanks for the recommendation”
St Lawrence C of E Aided Junior School
Read about Stephen and his author visits on his author page here
Interview with Stephen Davies
When and why did you join Authors Abroad?
I joined Authors Abroad in 2014 because I enjoyed visiting schools and wanted to do more of it.
You’ve just released a new book with us – The Ancient Egypt Sleepover (very excited). How did the idea come about for this book?
I visited Cairo with Authors Abroad in 2019, and had a wonderful time. Ever since I was small, I had dreamed of visiting the pyramids and sphinx in Giza, so it was dizzying to finally be there. I became fascinated by all things ancient and Egyptian.
How much research did it take to put together The Ancient Egypt Sleepover? We understand there were a few museum trips required!
On my return from Cairo, I began visiting the British Museum regularly. I was doggedly working my way through a ‘Teach Yourself Hieroglyphs’ book, and the exercises in the book were based on actual inscriptions on statues and coffins in the Egypt rooms. I suppose I had a vague notion that it would be useful for a novel of some sort. When I discovered that the British Museum organizes sleepovers for young people, I started to get excited. I knew straightaway that ‘museum sleepover gone wrong’ would make a great story.
What are you hoping schools will take away from The Ancient Egypt Sleepover?
I hope that children stay up late into the night, reading with a torch under the duvet, eager to find out what happens. I also hope that the book proves useful to teachers who need something exciting but realistic to share with their classes, linked to their Ancient Egypt topic.
Do you have a favourite book to focus on during your school talks, or is it always changing?
I use my books simply as sparkplugs for igniting children’s own imaginations. I want it to be all about them, not about me. At the moment, Survivor:Titanic and The Ancient Egypt Sleepover are the two books that seem to trigger the biggest buzz in the assemblies and classrooms I visit.
How different is the process of writing a picture book compared to a YA book?
I know how to plan and write chapter books and young adult novels. They take forever but they’re doable. Picture books are different. They are capricious, infuriating creatures that refuse to be pinned down. I have written one good one (Don’t Spill the Milk), two mediocre ones and about thirty terrible ones. Thankfully, the terrible ones never got published.
What do you hope to achieve from your workshops in schools?
Simply to encourage children to write for pleasure. When I hear from a teacher that a so-called reluctant writer has gone out the next day and bought themselves a writing notebook, that makes me happy.
If you could change or add anything to the curriculum, what would it be?
I believe wholeheartedly in Cressida Cowell’s campaign to make Free Writing Friday a thing – carving out some time on a Friday afternoon when children can write whatever they like, purely for pleasure.
You run Able Writers’ Days for us as well as Author Visits. How do those days differ for you?
Able Writers’ Days involve a whole day with one group of children, so I get to learn their names over the course of the day and develop a sense of where they’re at in their writing. It’s personal, productive and great fun. I love to see a whole class of children truly in the zone, writing with furious intensity.
As well as stretching the gifted writers you are also keen to work to engage the more reluctant readers. Why is it so important to ensure young people are as passionate as possible about reading?
Reading widely means children do better academically, and it also makes them kinder, more empathetic people. Those things are by-products, though. Reading for pleasure is all about the pleasure!
You often take part in National Novel Writing Month – what challenges do you set yourself for this and what advice would you give to anyone wanting to take part in future?
To be honest, I think my NaNoWriMo days are over. It nearly killed me each time I did it. But if you do take part, change your font colour to white. That way, you won’t be tempted to go back and edit as you go along. (Do make sure your keyboard is plugged in, though.)
What’s your next career goal?
A whodunnit, perhaps. I would love to write a locked-room mystery with an entirely original solution.
Have you managed to peacefully co-exist and learn to work from home with your new cat yet?
Trixie walks across my keyboard. She tries to swat the cursor. She annexes my chair every time I get up to make a cup of tea. I’d say the answer is no, not yet!
Quick Fire
Paperback or kindle?
Paperback
What would you prefer to explore – deep space or the deep ocean?
Ocean.
If you could time travel what event would you most like to go back and see live?
The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Best Mr Man or Little Miss Character?
Mr Tickle.
What’s scariest – an alligator the size of your hand or a guinea pig the size of a hippo?
Mini-alligator.
If you were Prime Minister for the day, what law would you introduce?
Stationery Saturday – on the first Saturday in September, everyone must give a lovely pen or notebook to a friend or neighbour.
Arrange for Stephen Davies to visit your school
To make an enquiry about Stephen, 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