SPECIAL OFFER: A 45-minute virtual session for an English class or library group. It would include some of the following: author chat, writing tips, a short writing exercise, a Q&A depending on preference. So for example, I would chat about how I came to be an author, share some writing tips and some favourite books then end with a few minutes for students to ask questions. Perfect to slot into the school day to encourage reading enjoyment and ideal for Years 7 and 8.
Price: £40 to include a copy of Asking for a Friend for the school library and some signed postcards for the students. Please get in contact via the contact form at the bottom of the page. Longer events still available.
I’m Kate Mallinder, author of feel-good teen books Summer of No Regrets and Asking for a Friend. I’ve recently completed a Writing for Young People MA at Bath Spa University while having a busy home life with four children 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 want to write stories.
‘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
Four friends, one summer, no regrets…
After their exams, four sixteen-year-old best friends pledge to live a summer regret-free, doing what they want to do however much it scares them: Sasha agrees to spend the holiday with her father in Geneva, having not seen him for six years, but is not expecting his new girlfriend, or the young man in the cafe. Shy Hetal decides to go to science camp, and finds a new competitive spirit. Nell gets a summer job, but after her accident her mother is scared to let her out of the house - so to do what she wants she will have to lie to her parents. Cam goes to look for her birth father, scared of the future when she can no longer stay with her foster family. What will she find? As all these choices become difficult, even dangerous, they will need to turn to each other for the strength to face the future.
Summer of No Regrets is feel-good fiction for teens, published by Firefly Press in 2019.
'Bucket loads of summer fun in this warm, funny, utterly delightful story about friendship, taking chances, and living life to the full!' Simon James Green
'Summer of no Regrets is a complete page turner. Perfect for Jacqueline Wilson fans, it is a summer story about female friendship, growing up and being brave. I loved spending summer with the gang!' Jenny McLachlan
‘Wonderfully diverse, sensitively written this is the perfect teen summer read. It really is a breath of fresh air. Both me and my teenage daughter devoured it.’ Book Lover Jo
Asking for a Friend
A feel-good friendship story following three school friends over the Easter holidays as they confront their fears, including loneliness, fear of illness and social media bullying, in a character-driven story about valuing the friends who value you.
Agnes, Hattie and Jake travel on the school bus together, but don’t know each other well. They plan a week in Weston-super-Mare, as a ‘study break’ before exams, but none of them admit the real reasons they need to get away. Agnes must find her sister. Hattie can’t bear being home now all her friends have ghosted her and Jake is afraid he’s ill and has absolutely no idea how to tell anyone. In one amazing week, they’ll risk their lives, face their fears and find themselves.
Firefly editor Janet Thomas says: ‘We are so excited to have a new book from Kate on the Firefly Press list. Asking for a Friend is a hugely entertaining, character-driven story about how friends can be found in surprising places, and how they can help you face your greatest fears.’
‘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.
‘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
How to prepare for an in-person author visit:
Tell parents and students about it in advance including that books will be on sale and can be signed.
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.
On the day I will bring with me books to sell, 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
More information…
Member of the Society of Authors
Public liability insured
Member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators
Based near Ashby in the East Midlands
‘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
Fees
Prices are available on request and will depend on what you require. Quotes are given without obligation. I can do up to four sessions per day, so mix and match from the list of talks, workshops and informal sessions. Prices are in line with Society of Author guidelines.
There will be no VAT, payable within 30 days of the event, for schools over 20 miles from Ashby-de-la-Zouch there will be travel expenses but these will always be agreed in advance.
I offer free skype visits periodically - check my twitter for details, or contact me to be included.
To discuss your school’s needs or to book an event, please use the enquiry form below.