It's a great idea for children to see that WRITERS are not strange other worldly beings with inky fingers and straggly beards but are relatively normal people like their mums and dads.
I have done sessions in primary schools, shops, playgroups and libraries. The format very much depends on the age of the children involved. For the very young I keep it simple and just read them some of my stories and poems. Generally I will introduce myself, talk a little about how I came to be a writer then go on to read from a selection of stories and poems. I try to involve the children as much as possible in discussing the subjects bought up by the stories. Where appropriate I can show them some of the processes involved in producing a children's book; rough drafts, illustration sketches etc. I am also happy to tailor sessions so that they fit in alongside classroom projects and themes.
If you or your school/playgroup/library are interested and are not too far away from Llandovery (West Wales) please get in touch. I charge £80 for a half day, £160 for whole day, plus travelling expenses. I'm also registered with the Welsh Academi as part of their Writers on Tour; they will pay up to half the cost of writers' visits. Contact them as early as possible because unfortunately they sometimes run out of money! http://www.academi.org/english/academi.html
