Author Visits

Update: due to long covid, I can’t currently do in-person author events, but I can do occasional online events (which still include lots of stories, monsters, magic, cliffhangers, imagination and interaction) so if you’re interested in finding out more, please email me on info@laridon.co.uk

Author visits to schools (and other places young readers and writers can be found…)

I can use any of my books as the foundation for different sessions and workshops, to inspire you to have as much fun reading and writing as I do.
Everyone has their own unique imagination, and I can inspire you to find exciting images, adventures and questions in your own head, and turn them into stories.
In an author visit, I will usually read from one of my books, tell a traditional tale linked to the background of the book, do some imagination activities and answer questions about reading, writing and books. This can be an introduction to a class that hasn’t read the book, or a follow-up for a class that has read it. I promise not to give the ending away if some readers are still half-way through!

I can also:

• discuss how to make stories exciting, and encourage you to create your own chase scenes,
• explore the connection between traditional stories and modern fiction,
• explore the connection between location, landscape and plot,
• ask riddles and even help you create your own riddles, because all my quest novels contain riddles for the heroine to solve,
• and I always leave time for a chat about how YOU write as well as how I write.

Specific book events:

At a Spellchasers Trilogy or Fabled Beast Chronicles event, I would read from one of my adventure novels, and we might look at how to start a quest, write a cliffhanger or create our own fabled beasts.

At a Mind Blind event, I would read an extract of the thriller, then we might discuss how to create a story with pace, action and twists.

At a Legend of the First Unicorn event, I would read the story and show Natasa Ilincic’s wonderful illustrations, and we might imagine our own adventures with magical creatures.

At a Fierce Fearless & Free event, I would tell a traditional tale about a strong girl, talk about how everyone should be able to see themselves in stories, and we might imagine our own monster-defeating myth.

At a Dragon’s Hoard event, I would share a Viking saga tale, talk about how I researched the sagas, and we might make up our own Viking adventure.

At a Magic Word event, after reading the book, we might imagine our own magic spells, and I might tell a joiny-in story.

These are just examples of what I can do. I am happy to work with you to create other workshops and sessions which would fit with your needs. If you want something different, that’s great, because I love being challenged to do new things with words…

How to book me:
Email me through this website.

How much does it cost?
I am guided by the Scottish Book Trust’s Live Literature Funding rate for author visits. If you contact me with details of what you have in mind, I can let you know what the current rate is.

How to get the best from me:
All events work best for the organiser, the author and the audience, if everyone is prepared. If we talk beforehand about what you want, then I will know what you expect me to deliver. We can use some of the event ideas above, or create new events for your particular needs. And I can provide suggestions on how best to prepare a class for a visit or a workshop.
You will definitely NOT get the best visit if you put me in a room that isn’t suitable – I’ve yelled my way through author visits in canteens with dinner ladies rattling cutlery behind me, or halls also used as corridors, and even a room with a drumming workshop next door. And I’ve had some awkward experiences in open plan classrooms too – it’s very hard to create drama, tension and a genuinely creative atmosphere when everyone else is listening in! I prefer quiet spaces, with no distractions, because then we can all concentrate on stories (and I don’t lose my voice!)
And while I know that costs and timetables will tempt you to cram as many sessions as possible into a day, it is best if I can have an hour or so with each group, though shorter sessions can work with younger children. It’s also a good idea to leave a bit of turnaround time between events, for signing books, chatting, and getting one group of kids out and the next group in.

Do we need to read your books before you visit?
You certainly don’t need to read all of them! But it is a good idea to read or be familiar with at least one of my books for the appropriate age group, because I find that results in more specific and creative discussions and questions.

Should we organise book sales and signings?
YES! It’s a lovely way to end an author visit, giving kids the chance to speak briefly to the author while they get their book signed to them personally. A signed book is great reminder of a day they had fun with stories, and a book that has strong memories and a personal dedication is a book that is likely to be treasured and READ. Not everyone can afford to buy a book, but I always bring signed postcards too, so no one misses out. And also, honestly, if writers and publishers don’t sell actual copies of books, then we might not still be writing and publishing books in a few years’ time…

How do we organise booksales and signings?
I can bring copies of books, my publishers’ book suppliers can deliver them, or best of all, we can get a local bookshop to supply them. (Then you’re supporting your local bookshop, as well as literacy, writers and publishers!) All you need to do is make sure that children, and crucially parents, know that books will be available for sale and signing, how much the books will cost, and why a signed book is a useful and positive memory of a day working with stories. A letter home a couple of weeks beforehand and a reminder the day before the event usually works. Apart from that, all we need is a table to put the books on!

What equipment etc do I need?
For picture book events, I usually need a way of projecting the artwork so the children can see it. So, a laptop, a projector and a screen or a smartboard, and a person who knows how to work your particular equipment!
I also need, for pretty much every event, a clear table at the front for putting books and manusripts etc on.
And if there is a long gap between events, I often grab the chance to write, so a quiet corner to work in is often appreciated!
I don’t need: tea, coffee, cakes, biscuits, or lunch. (I keep going on adrenaline…)

How big a group will I work with?
Pretty much any size! I’m happy to work with class-sized groups, which can feel quite intimate and informal, giving everyone the chance to participate, but I am also happy to work with much larger groups, hundreds of children in a theatre or hall, which can generate lots of noise and enthusiasm about books and stories.

Do I only do 1 hour author visits?
No, I can do longer writing workshops too, and I can also visit a class more than once, for an extended project guiding the pupils through turning their initial ideas into finished work, using the plotting and editing techniques that real writers use, and having lots of fun with words, characters and stories along the way. These longer projects can be hard to fit into my diary though, so do contact me well in advance.

Why book an author?
Meeting authors can bring books alive for children, and authors can explain the creative process and their passion for writing, reading, language and stories. Author visits and other events with writers can promote reading and writing, guide children to wider reading choices and help make books cool!
In schools, events with writers can link very neatly with the Curriculum for Excellence, helping teachers encourage successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors.

Why book me?
I love words, books and stories. I show that passion and enthusiasm in the stories I tell, and the descriptions I give of why and how I write.
And I never do the same session twice. Before I visit, I’ll chat to you to tailor my session to fit your needs. Once I am there, I tell a story differently every time because I am watching people’s eyes as I tell it, and I give different tips and information in every Q&A session because I am listening to the questions. I’ll have great fun sharing my passion for books with you. I hope you will too.

What teachers say about my events:

“They came away with wonderful ideas, especially the boys (who are often the tough nuts to crack)”

“They couldn’t wait to get started on their next storywriting.”

“Some children went home and wrote a story that very night.”

“It was the highlight of our bookweek.”

“Their confidence and belief in their creative writing has grown immensely.”

“Dynamic, interactive, captivating…”

“Excellent manner with the children, interesting presentation, great storytelling…just what you want from a visiting author”

“You left us feeling inspired and motivated to write. The children are still buzzing from it!”

“a superb day.”

What pupils say about my events:

“I learnt to be inspired by listening to how Lari Don writes descriptively and to put my characters into my stories in more dangerous and adventurous situations. It made me feel relaxed and free, like I just wanted to run off and write anything , under a tree where no-one can see you.”

“I know how to write stories now.”

“I think she is magic.”

“It was ace.”

“You gave me a better imagination.”

“It made me realise that anyone can be an author.”
(presumably because if that Lari Don can do it anyone can!)

What parents say:

a dad after a Spellchasers library event: ‘My boys had the “best day ever.” Thank you for the stories.’ (on Twitter)