TALKS AND WORKSHOPS
Reading for pleasure changes lives. By developing empathy and the imagination, it offers vital tools for wellbeing and resilience. By developing vocabulary, concentration and knowledge, it improves academic performance. Plus, it's fun! So why wouldn't you? And yet every survey shows that children's reading - and writing - is in decline.
Well, I want to stop that. And if you're reading this page, the chances are you feel the same!
My talks about my books and writing, as well as my creative workshops, celebrate the joy of reading, of creativity and connection. The format of all events can be adapted to the time available, to the ages of the participants and to the platform, but the emphasis is always on the special magic of the written word and of making stories.
Talks and workshops are suitable for children aged 8 to 12, though I can work with different ages. Please contact me via the contact page on my website, via Authors Aloud or via my publishers (Faber and Zephyr) for further details, including fees. I am also available for panels, judging, festivals and other events.
TESTIMONIALS
"Natasha Farrant was engaging and inspiring. Her talk was well-structured and informative, and the workshops both entertaining and productive. The boys thoroughly enjoyed meeting her and were surprised by how many ideas they were able to dream up in a relatively short amount of time!"
Teacher, Cothill House, Abingdon
"We liked Natasha. We liked how she spoke to us. She was friendly, but also professional when she commented on our work."
"Best double ever!"
Year 7 students from THE LATYMER SCHOOL, LONDON
"“Natasha was one of the best authors we have had the pleasure of meeting. She really engaged with the girls and had them enthralled, sharing her experiences of family life and explaining how these influenced her writing. Her workshop encouraged them to expand their creative writing skills and they found it exciting to share their ideas especially, as one pupil said, ‘with a real author.’
Librarian, OXFORD HIGH JUNIOR SCHOOL
“Natasha's visit was very well prepared. She related well to the students. Students enjoyed a Meet the Author and book signing session in the library. They enjoyed talking to her, and asking her questions about her books. I was delighted that the boys were also interested in the books, having heard Natasha talk in assembly. We felt that the visit achieved exactly what we wanted as a celebration of stories and books, plus allowing students to develop confidence in their own writing in the workshops. I'd highly recommend Natasha for an author visit."
Librarian, THE LATYMER SCHOOL, LONDON
“The girls thoroughly enjoyed Natasha’s visit to our school. They found her presentations engaging and funny; with many commenting on how surprised they were to find that her books were influenced by real life experiences. The writing workshops that she conducted with our students were a fantastic success. All girls who were lucky enough to work with Natasha in some way have come away smiling, inspired and confident.”
Librarian, ST GEORGE'S ASCOT
“Natasha Farrant’s presentations and workshops were both entertaining and inspiring and ignited a genuine passion for reading and writing amongst the pupils lucky enough to take part in the event. Students were emotionally engaged throughout the opening talk and then bubbled over with enthusiasm when given the opportunity to express their own creativity during the workshop; they were still buzzing about it days later!”
Librarian, ST MARYLEBONE CE SCHOOL
BOOK SALES
Book sales are an integral part of an author's visit to your school or festival, giving children a chance to prolong the impact of a visit, with a book specially dedicated to them. It also gives shyer students the opportunity to ask questions more privately. Though I am not set up to sell books myself, you can liaise with your local bookshop or with a specialist bookseller to organise this. They will be very happy to help!
