The Writer Within You
I share my journey from being a "kid from Croydon" with a wild imagination who loved video games to becoming a published author. I teach students to recognise and trust their unique perspective, and find their story voice.
Schools · Libraries · Festivals
An Author From South London
Interactive sessions for schools, libraries and festivals, to nudge creativity out of young minds.
Book A Visit
Schools I've worked with
20+ schools and libraries since 2024, from Croydon to Leeds
- London
- Dulwich College Juniors
- Michael Faraday School
- Betty Layward Primary
- Hitherfield
- Rockmount
- Cheam Park Farm Primary Academy
- Christ Church Primary
- Ark Oval Primary Academy
- Fulwell Cross Library, Redbridge Libraries
- Home Counties
- Beechfield Primary, Watford
- Lanchester Primary School, Watford
- Charlotte House Prep School, Rickmansworth
- Gaddesdon Row Primary, Hemel Hempstead
- Haydon Abbey, Aylesbury
- Further afield
- Parklands Primary, Leeds
- Stuart Fleming Primary
The sessions
Sci-Fi Academy
We explore the Cosmic Cadets universe, and dive into creating our own unique Cadet and memorable sidekick, then send them off into space by wrting our own top secret mission report!
Fees
Schools
| Format | Length | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual visitA presentation and Q&A over video | 20–45 min | £100 |
| Assembly / presentationAny group size | 45–60 min | £200 |
| Workshop15–30 pupils | 60–75 min | £250 |
| Half dayUp to two sessions | About 3 hrs | £350 |
| Full dayUp to four sessions | 5–6 hrs | £500 |
Tight budget? Ask Anyway!
Tell me what you can do and I'll tell you honestly whether we can make it work!
Libraries and festivals
Fees work differently there, so they're on request.
Travel
Within an hour by train of South London, travel is included. Beyond that, travel is charged at cost and agreed in advance.
Books on the day
I work with independent children's booksellers to handle pre-orders for my visits, so books are there on the day and I can sign them. I can help you get in touch with them directly.
Two I work with regularly
Festivals and libraries
I also love joining in with Literary events, festivals, panels and drop-in workshops for mixed-age audiences. I'm a2026 GLL Literary Foundation author, working with Bromley libraries across the year, and I've appeared at:
- Cheltenham Literature Festival
- Henley Literary Festival
- Cardiff Children's Literature Festival
- Canterbury Kids Lit Fest
- Waterstones Children's Book Festival, Lincoln
- Leeds Storytelling Festival
Festival and library fees vary with the format and the funding, so they're on request — tell me what you have in mind.
What schools and libraries say
Our children had open-mouthed smiley faces throughout and especially enjoyed the 'design your own cosmic cadet' activity. And the parents loved hearing from an authentic local author. They loved your presence and engagement. One said it was “one of the best book signing events we have attended”
The children's imaginations were sparked
The children were captivated by his stories
The support and attention he gave to the pupils at Christ Church was amazing
He read with and truly inspired the children
Book A Visit
Questions
How far ahead should we book?
I would LOVE a term's notice. While shorter than 1 month can be a stretch. And during peak periods like World Book Day week - I might be booked up a few months ahead. But if you've any dates in mind, ask away — the right timing or location will always work!
What do you need from us on the day?
All I really need is a screen or a projector and some kids to talk to. If you haven't got one, tell me and I'll make it work!
Do you do virtual visits?
Yes! A virtual visit is 30–45 minutes of my face up close over video calling. Perfect if you think I'm a fraud and just want to test me out haha! Or if you just feel you're too far away!
Can you see more than one year group?
Absolutely! I'll take as many as you can squeeze into an assembly hall. I did a school of 400 recently (though I recommend splitting infants and juniors). And half or full days are great for timetabling across different year groups.
How do books and signing work?
I work with local book stores like Paper Cat and Moon Lane, who handle pre-orders so books are there on the day. Get in touch with them directly, or ask me and I'll put you in touch. No visit is complete without a signing!
Do you charge for travel?
Only beyond an hour by train from South London. And I'll let you know the cost before you commit to anything (plus sometimes I get VERY excited and waive the travel fee)