Overview
After working for some years in publishing at Walker Books, I am now a full-time author of books for children from bestselling picture books such as Burger Boy, Dear Tooth Fairy and Always and Forever to top-end teenage thrillers (Blood, Flesh and Bones). I offer editorial feedback and advice on manuscripts informed by my knowledge, experience and expertise of the children's publishing world as a widely published author and publishing creative. I have written in many different genres - comedy, horror, fantasy, sport, thrillers, school stories, adventure, historical, picture books - and a wide variety of subjects from fairies to football, gameboys to grief.I also run courses on writing for children in France and Brighton, and for The Guardian and Penguin Random House Children's Books.
Services
Fiction
Middle Grade
Picture Books
Young Adult
Languages
English (AUS)
English (CAN)
English (NZ)
English (SA)
English (UK)
English (US)
Awards
- The Royal Mail Scottish Children's Book Award
- Portsmouth Children's Book Award
- Stockport Children's Book Award
Work experience
Self-employed
Jan, 2000 —
Present
I do extensive work in primary and secondary schools, running creative writing workshops with the children, as well as giving interactive talks and presentations.
I also run writing masterclasses through The Guardian and through Penguin Random House.
I run writing workshops at my home in Brighton, and also writing retreats at my property in rural France.
Walker Books Ltd.
Jan, 1986 —
Jan, 2004
(about 18 years)
Portfolio
Flesh and Bones From the ruins of an ancient abbey, British archaeologists unearth the skull of a young monk. Using the very latest technology, Liam's dad must attempt to put the flesh back on the bone and give life back to the skull. What did the young man lo... read more
Let's Read! Football Fever
Buzz and Bingo in the Starry Sky: Band 10/White In this comical adventure, Buzz and Bingo find themselves in Outer Space trying to help a lost alien, XY5, find his parents. Along the way they meet a number of glittering constellations in the starry sky and a w... read more
Game Boy
When Holly sees a man who looks like Father Christmas, she decides to write him a letter: "Dear Father Christmas - is it snowing in Lapland? Please answer. Love Holly." And so begins the start of a touching penpal friendship with Father Christmas himself in wh... read more
Burger Boy
When Fox dies the rest of his family are absolutely distraught. How will Mole, Otter and Hare go on without their beloved friend? But, months later, Squirrel reminds them all of how funny Fox used to be, and they realise that Fox is still there in their hearts... read more
Alan has 10 reviews
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Layton G.
May, 2022
Edaqa M.
May, 2020
Alison B.
Apr, 2020
Matt A.
Jul, 2019
Aaron H.
Jul, 2019
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