AVID bookworms have been given a master class in murder by a leading literary role model.
Year 7 students from Haughton Academy, Darlington, were joined by primary pupils from Springfield Academy, Marchbank Free School and Gurney Pease Academy, for an afternoon workshop with celebrated children’s author Robin Stevens.
The American-born fiction writer, best known for her Murder Most Unladylike series of books, began writing aged 12 after being inspired by a book by novelist Agatha Christie.
“I am so excited to be able to speak about my writing, come into schools and help inspire pupils,” said Robin.
“I’ve told them all about my books, why I write, how I plan my literary crimes and how they can use their own imaginations to create their own stories.
“I hope my experiences will get them as excited about murder mysteries as I am and make them much more confident to express their own ideas on paper.”
The visit was organised by Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books, in Newcastle, who are committed to preserving and promoting all aspects of children’s literature, through their #authorsintoschools.
Haughton Academy English teacher Erin Spence said: “This is a fabulous opportunity for our pupils to meet such a famous author.
“We have Robin’s books in school and it’s great for the children see the face behind the name on a book, to see that authors are real people who have a real job and something they can aspire to.
“I hope that Robin’s visit also encourages many more pupils to read for pleasure and become creative in their writing.”
Pupil Lacey Burns, 12, of Darlington, added: “I love reading especially murder mysteries.
“I was really excited to meet Robin and asking her lots of questions about her books.”