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Children enthused by visit of top author
12th September 2008Renowned children's author G.P.Taylor who has written a number of very popular books for the teenage market led a workshop on creative writing for students in years 5, 6, 7 and 8 at The Park School, Yeovil. Mr Taylor has enjoyed much success with titles such as Wormwood, the Mariah Mundi books and probably his most popular book Shadowmancer (which is due to be made into a film in 2010), and the students were enthralled from the outset with his engaging presentation.
He entertained and informed staff and pupils alike with stories from his days as an Anglican priest as well as the circumstances that led to his becoming a writer. Next he helped pupils understand how to make characters "real". This was achieved by careful observation of people and their body language. He discussed the attributes that make a character "believable" and made the point that a good story will transcend all barriers of culture, race or creed.
Mr Taylor is fortunate as he spends most of the year writing, but he is able to set aside three months of every year to tour schools, bringing his enthusiasm to build a love of reading in the student. Jessica Whittick (Year 8) commented "It was amazing to hear what made him become an author and how he self-published his first novel.
Mr G. P. Taylor with pupils left to right Matilda Tulett (Year 7),
Toby Finch-Hatton (Year 6), Jonathan Green (Year 7) and
Chloe Hunt (Year 5).
His stories about where he got his characters from were very interesting". Many pupils were sufficiently enthused to buy signed copies one of the books and Poppy Denny-Higgins (Year 8) said, "The book that I bought is amazing; I'm already half way through and I cannot put it down!"
We look forward with excited anticipation to his next visit to our school.
Mr Taylor addressing the pupils with Luca Lepuri in assistance!
