As my books are for 11-14 year olds, most of my school visits are for Key Stage 3 students, but I can adapt for younger and older.
If you are organising any other event, either for children or adults, I’m available for talks, panels and workshops. Get in touch!
I’m Kate Mallinder, author of feel-good teen books Summer of No Regrets and Asking for a Friend. In 2020 I completed a Writing for Young People MA at Bath Spa University while having a busy home life 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 wanted to write stories. Since then I’ve written lots of different types of stories for a range of different ages and publishers, and in 2024 I started working part time as a secondary school librarian.
‘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
‘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
‘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
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. Or even better, have books available to order in advance on the parent portal.
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.
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
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
Fees
Prices are available on request and will depend on what you require. Quotes are given without obligation. I can provide 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, invoices payable within 30 days of the event and all travel expenses will be agreed in advance.
To discuss your school’s needs or to discuss booking an event, please use the enquiry form below.