Hello Event Organisers!
If you are considering an author visit, there are plenty of options from which to choose. I would, of course, love to come see you, but if circumstances do not allow for that, there is always the option of a fun Zoom call!
To whet your appetite, see the list below for some author talk and workshop topics. All creative writing sessions are suitable for 8–13-year-olds and include a short reading and plenty of time for Q&A. Some crafting sessions can cater for a younger audience. Each session is approx. 40mins-1hr long and can be adapted to suit the time available. I would be delighted to craft a session especially for you!
Some author talk and workshop themes to consider (pick n’ mix if you wish!):
Creative Writing Workshops:
Let’s Go WonderLarking!: A magical, eye-opening workshop searching for the wonder in nature.
Our Memory Box!: Exciting, interactive workshop gathering the best memories our minds have to offer before mashing them up to create wild and wonderful stories.
A Time Traveller’s Guide: Fun, interactive workshop encouraging students to ‘show, not tell’ and use rich description as we arrive in another time.
A Mudlarker’s Guide to Story-Starting: A treasure-filled story-starter workshop enabling students to overcome the challenges of a blank page by finding inspiration in every-day objects.
Crafting Workshops for Families:
Let’s Make Treasure Chains!: Craft demonstration workshop transforming beachcombed and mudlarked finds into treasures to behold! Watch and learn how to make Treasure Chains, and bring along your favourite finds to join in the fun! Halloween & Christmas themed Treasure Chains also available.
Second Nature Crafting Workshop: Create wondrous seasonal ornaments using nature’s finest treasures, from leaf ghosts and sea-glass jewels, to chestnut snowmen and pumpkins. Themed for holiday fun – Halloween, Christmas, Easter.
Author Talks:
Getting Published – Eve’s journey from toenails and fortune tellers to serendipity, synaesthesia and the strangest of coincidences. An inspirational talk introducing creative writing as a potential career choice.
Historical Interest: The real flood of London 1928. What really happened that night? Bringing our history books to life.
So You’ve Read The Book! Q&A Session – This works best if students prepare some questions in advance!
If you would like to discuss an event in more detail or would like a personalised letter and bookmark pack for your class, please get in touch here.
Praise for Eve’s Events:
Catherine Cody, Teacher: “It has been a most enjoyable experience – our facilitator Eve McDonnell supported and inspired the children on their writing journey. Every stage was carefully scaffolded ensuring that the children felt confident and secure in their efforts. It has been quite simply a magical experience for the children.”
Mairead Brady, Senior Librarian, dlr Libraries: “Thank you for taking so many classes! The feedback from our end was fantastic! The children absolutely loved it.”
Ms Yates, Principal Teacher: “We had a great time & the kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves!”
Castletown N.S.: “3rd/4th class had a super interactive workshop with author Eve McDonnell. They brought their own ‘treasure’ and really enjoyed the hour!”
Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin, Author & Literary Talent Scout: “Just had the BEST chat with Eve McDonnell with the Writers Ink – my goodness serendipity is a thing! So inspiring, if you need a MG writer for an event, book her now! And this is the PERFECT book for your 9-12s, grab a copy now!”
Amanda J Evans, Writer: “It was amazing loved every minute of it and your complete honesty.”
Sinéad O’Hart, Author: “The brilliant Eve McDonnell talking about her book #Elsetime – and the audience are loving Eve and her book! Wonderful to get an insight into her process and work.”
Patricia Forde, Author: “Eve McDonnell – one to watch!”
Nicola Pierce, Author: “Wonderful lunchtime event with 3 fab writers #wonderfest2020 Eve McDonnell, Catherine Doyle and Celine Kiernan. Crammed with lot of great writing advice.”
Ashing White, Writer: “The kids and I thoroughly enjoyed a gorgeous afternoon of storytelling and chat with the fab Eve McDonnell, Celine Kiernan and Catherine Doyle. Lovely way to spend a Sunday.”
Adam Murphy, Screen Writer: How I loved listening to Eve McDonnell’s words (& extract of her debut novel #Elsetime) on the #InTheReadingCorner with Nikki Gamble. I’ll look forward to reading her work – thanks!
Dr Laura Ovenden, Teacher: “Fascinating interview.”
Ms Yates, Principal Teacher: “We had a great time & the kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves!”
Recordings:
Elsetime Reading / Chapter 12: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oihkqJiPErY
Children’s Books Ireland New Voices 2020 / Culture Night – reading (at 24:25): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3S_D0JftxMM&t=1810s
Just Imagine / Exploring Children’s Literature with Nikki Gamble: https://www.exploringchildrensliterature.uk/podcast/eve-mcdonnell/
Fun Kids podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rD8SBcWI_4
Winning the Writing Game / Interview with Simon Trewin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWrTKis4I6M
Cumbria Spellbinding Secondary Book Awards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppTZa1VKw7Q
Clay Chestnuts – Crafting Demonstration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpkj9YL8_OQ&t=12s
Eve McDonnell 