As my books are for 11 - 14 year olds, most of my school visits are for Key Stage 3 students, but I can adapt for younger and older.
If you are organising any other event, either for children or adults, I’m available for talks, panels and workshops. Get in touch!
I’m Kate Mallinder, author of feel-good teen books Summer of No Regrets, Asking for a Friend and now Summer Under the Stars. In 2020 I completed a Writing for Young People MA at Bath Spa University while having a busy home life and running a local youth club for teens. I’ve done all sorts of jobs (temping, bank work, purchasing and running my own business) but it wasn’t until my thirties that I knew what I wanted to do; the thing I’d wanted to do when I was eight years old - I wanted to write stories. Since then I’ve written lots of different types of stories for a range of different ages and publishers, and in 2024 I started working part time as a secondary school librarian.
‘Thank you so much for coming into our school; the students and myself really enjoyed the session you hosted for us. It was both interesting and thought provoking. I have had several students asking when you are coming back, and several who weren’t even in your session ask when it’s their turn.’
Z. Wilkinson, Librarian, Ivanhoe College, Ashby
‘Thank you so much for visiting our school last week - what a fantastic day we had. The Year 8 pupils thoroughly enjoyed your presentation and I’m sure Summer of No Regrets will now become one of the most requested titles in the Library. I am sure that you have inspired some budding writers and that your book will be on many pupils’ summer reading lists.’
Clare Skidmore, Librarian, South Charnwood High School
What I offer - either virtually or in person
Author talk: How I became a writer (30-60 minutes, including Q&A) Suitable for years 6, 7, 8 & 9 - up to 150
A ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at how a book comes about: where I get my ideas, sharing some of the weird and wonderful first draft scenes, looking at what changed in edits and the choices of covers. Includes going right back to see that before you can become a writer, you need to be a reader first. Incorporates the importance of resilience.
Workshop: Writing characters and voice (45-60 minutes) Suitable for years 6, 7, 8 & 9 - up to 35
How to write memorable characters. Covers how to describe characters and also some guidelines on getting dialogue distinctive. In this session, the students will develop their own fictional character and write a short piece including their character.
Workshop: How to edit (45-60 minutes) Suitable for years 6, 7, 8 & 9 - up to 35
Editing and the rough first draft. A ‘spot the difference’ look at the first three drafts of a story, encouraging students to go back and look again at what they’ve written. Includes editing a piece they haven’t written.
Workshop: Writing from different viewpoints (45-60 minutes) Suitable for years 6, 7, 8 & 9 - up to 35
Practical tips on getting your character’s tone authentic. Includes looking at a range of examples and developing the ability to see the world from someone else’s point of view. During this session, students will write two short pieces about the same event, told from two different points of view.
Informal chat: Great for lunchtime library groups (30-60 minutes) Suitable for years 6 - 11 - up to 20
Includes a quick introduction to me, my books and my writing journey, then it’s an open forum for questions. Especially good for avid readers and budding writers.
Looking to do something a bit different? Here are some ideas that schools have done and have worked well…
For local schools, use me as an author-in-residence. One school asked me to lead a writing workshop with each class in Key Stage 3 spread over a term. I took over Science, French and Maths lessons and everyone wrote their stories… even the teachers! Nothing says we take literacy seriously more than that!
Again for local schools, ask me to lead a weekly/fortnightly book club to read one of my books. As a reader, I’d love to do this… read a book and discuss it with the author. Brilliant for giving a truly unique behind-the-scenes look at how books are written. Or read my books in your book club, and invite me for the last session to answer their questions.
Use an author visit as the reward for students who have done well. Lots of schools do this: for doing their summer reading challenge, for improving their reading scores, for borrowing the most books, for having good attendance. It reinforces writing and reading as a positive choices, rather than punishment! I attended one recently where it was an author, pizza and movie afternoon! It was one of the best events I’ve seen - the students were so engaged and had so many questions that I continued answering them as the pizzas were being eaten!
Got some students who are doing okay but you want to give them a boost? An author visit might inspire them to the next level. I’ve definitely seen this happen. Multiple times teachers have got in touch to say they’ve seen a different side to a student after a visit.
I’m happy to try new ideas - whatever encourages students to enjoy their reading and writing. Get in touch to discuss bespoke plans - I do offer discounts for more multiple visits.
‘Thank you so much for visiting Arden to discuss Summer of No Regrets with our students. They were thoroughly engaged, and enjoyed asking questions to aid them in their own writing. The excitement to get books signed has also created a lovely buzz around school.’
Emma O’Brien, Librarian, Arden Academy
‘Thank you so much for coming! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and gained a lot from the day - the pupils produced some excellent work.’
Laura Insley, English Teacher, Wilnecote High School
How to prepare for an in-person author visit
Tell parents and students about it in advance including having books available to order in advance on the parent portal which can then be signed on the day.
Read students the first chapter so they can get a flavour of the story beforehand.
Have a member of staff with me throughout the visit.
Plan short breaks between sessions.
More information
Member of the Society of Authors
Public liability insured
Based near Ashby-de-la-Zouch in the East Midlands
On the day I will bring free postcards to give away, my presentation on a USB and plenty of energy and enthusiasm.
‘Our school had a very successful visit from Kate Mallinder as part of our Book Week celebrations. Kate enthused the children with her talk of being a writer. She shared the joys – and challenges – of being an author and inspired them to create their own stories. I would recommend Kate as her love of books and writing was so refreshing.’
J. Muckle, Co-Deputy, St Edward’s Primary School, Donnington
Fees
Prices are available on request and will depend on what you require. Quotes are given without obligation. I can provide up to four sessions per day, so mix and match from the list of talks, workshops and informal sessions. As a rough guideline, for a full day of four sessions, the price would be £300 plus pre-agreed travel expenses.
There will be no VAT, invoices payable within 30 days of the event and all travel expenses will be agreed in advance.
To discuss your school’s needs or to book an event, please use the enquiry form below.