Did a magic writing workshop with kids in Tallaght LIbrary today. There were supposed to be 1 group of 6th class kids, but I ended up with that lot plus a gang of 4th class kids. So 60 odd in all. Difficult enough for a workshop but they were great – very imaginative and interactive.

We talked about genre, what makes a book ‘good’, how to write interesting sentences – I asked them to come up with a more interesting way of saying ‘The mouse ate the cheese’ and some of their answers were brilliant!
What else – using detail in your work, memory, the importance of unforgettable characters, plotting and conflict and lots of other things.

My tip for doing workshops – be very, very prepared! Lots of exercises for them to do, ones that can easily be adapted for different age groups (in case you get landed with 1st class instead of 6th – happens all the time! Lots of show and tell material – books, photos, diaries etc. And a whole heap of energy and attitude – vital for entertaining 30/60 or more kids!

Paddy O’Doherty’s (Puffin Ireland) wise words keep coming back to me – you must make them know you are in control – in her case she meant her good self, the editor, and she was talking about writing, being in control of the story – but it goes for doing children’s events too – the kids must know you are in control, that you have the session planned, and that you know what you’re talking about and are prepared to be honest, open and attentive during the whole hour/90 mins.

If they start getting twitchy or flicking bits of paper at each other – they’re bored! Try an Abba song (only half joking – it actually works!). Get creative – engage with them. Ask them questions – about their lives, their families, their hobbies/interests, their school.

More next week after sessions in Clare, Lucan and LImerick! Ah yes, Children’s Book Festival – don’t you just love it?!

SarahX