Becoming a Writer 4 - Nicola Morgan

Our next author is Nicola Morgan on November 20th.

BECOMING A WRITER 3 – OCTOBER 2013 – ANNE CASSIDY



 We were thrilled to welcome the acclaimed Anne Cassidy as the third writer in our series ‘Becoming a writer.’ Anne is the author of over thirty books for teenagers, all in the crime genre.  Possibly her most famous book, ‘Looking for JJ’ was published ten years ago which was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal, the Whitbread Book Award and winner of the Booktrust Teenage Prize in 2004.
Anne was born and grew up in Essex road, Islington, and although being a bit of a ‘bad girl’ as a child, she came to writing later in life. When she was asked to write a story as a piece of homework when studying English she realised that she had found her calling in life! Her first novel was inspired by a childhood prank and she described the moment when she held her first book in her hands as the best moment in her life – along with the birth of her son!
Anne used these words to describe her books and writing, ‘dark, murder, blackmail, abduction, mystery.’


Huda with her prize!

‘Not every book suits every person’ – Anne explained to the girls that if you can’t get on with a book, try a different one, there are so many great books out there to choose from.
Anne had brought along copies of the ‘Murder Notebooks’ – Dead Time, Killing Rachel, and Butterfly Grave – the latter book is due to be published on November 7th. The fourth and last in the series will be published next year. She talked about the series and how she has enjoyed writing a series of books as opposed to stand alone novels which she is accustomed to writing.

The hugely successful ‘Looking for JJ’ was published in 2004. Anne had never intended to write a sequel despite being asked for one whenever she spoke about her writing. However, she has now decided that the time is right and has written a sequel which is to be published in 2014 – I know all her fans are going to be delighted. We were extremely excited and privileged to witness the first reading from the sequel – ‘Finding Jennifer Jones’.
At the end of the session one lucky student had her name drawn from a hat and won copies of all three books in the ‘Murder Notebooks’ series. Huda Ali Aman from 8E was the lucky winner and was thrilled – especially as she is now the proud owner of the first ever signed copy of ‘Butterfly Grave’.

EGA - new outside area

We now have a MUGA!

(Multi user games area)

Becoming a writer display - excuse the glare!

September book reviews

Two welcome additions to library stock this month are 'Picture me gone' by Meg Rosoff and 'Shine' by Candy Gourlay, both previous visitors to our 'Becoming a writer' programme. Both books are beautifully written - see my reviews here.

PICTURE ME GONE by MEG ROSOFF

 

Picture Me Gone is tells the story of 12 year old Mila, who sets of on a trip to America with her father Gil to visit his old friend Matthew. Shortly before they set off, they find out that Matthew has gone missing, but decide to go anyway and try and find him. After meeting Matthew’s family, Gil and Mila embark on a road trip to Matthew’s cabin to see if he has gone there.
Picture Me Gone is a beautiful book. I fell in love with Mila straight away. Her observations of the adults around her are delightful. She fancies herself as a bit of a detective and notices things that others miss. The book is written in the present tense first person and has the effect of making Mila very present, it is almost like a stream of consciousness, aided by the fact that there are no speech marks in the book. The relationships of the adults are beautifully observed and whilst observing others Mila also unravels her own complex relationship with her best friend. 
Picture Me Gone is tells the story of 12 year old Mila, who sets of on a trip to America with her father Gil to visit his old friend Matthew. Shortly before they set off, they find out that Matthew has gone missing, but decide to go anyway and try and find him. After meeting Matthew’s family, Gil and Mila embark on a road trip to Matthew’s cabin to see if he has gone there.

Picture Me Gone is a beautiful book. I fell in love with Mila straight away. Her observations of the adults around her are delightful. She fancies herself as a bit of a detective and notices things that others miss. The book is written in the present tense first person and has the effect of making Mila very present, it is almost like a stream of consciousness, aided by the fact that there are no speech marks in the book. The relationships of the adults are beautifully observed and whilst observing others Mila also unravels her own complex relationship with her best friend. 

SHINE by CANDY GOURLAY

Thirteen year old Rosa has something to hide and is forced to hide away on the island of Mirasol. When she encounters a friend online and makes arrangements to meet him, she uncovers some complicated truths about her family. Myths and ghosts are interwoven into the story, and Rosa discovers the truth about what really happened to her mother.
Shine is a delight to read. Rosa is a feisty character who is forced to live her life hidden away, with limited contact with the outside world. I loved the many tales from different cultures which are woven into the story, and the ghosts both real and imagined which haunt the edges of Rosa’s life. Told alongside the story of twins Kara and Kat, this is a thought provoking book about relationships and growing up.

Becoming a writer - Candy Gourlay

At the end of the summer we welcomed Candy Gourlay as the second author in our ‘Becoming a writer' programme. Candy is the author of ‘Tall Story’ and her new book, ‘Shine’ is published in September 2013. Candy’s took the students through the ‘Hero’s journey’, which works through the narrative structure of a novel. She interspersed this with her own journey to becoming a novelist, as well as her experiences of being a newspaper correspondent in the Philippines. Her workshop was very engaging with lots of humour and was also enjoyed by Mr Hughes and Mr McIntyre.
The series returns in October with award winning author Anne Cassidy.

 

ISLINGTON CARNEGIE SHADOWING - WONDER WINS!

On Thursday June 19^th, the Bookaholics – including new members Saruka Jeyaseelan, Julahka Jahan and Zahra Arefa 8E went to Platform in Hornsey Road to take part in the 2013 Islington Carnegie Shadowing award ceremony. The girls have been reading the eight books on the shortlist, and put on a presentation called ‘Take Me Out of the Library,’ based on the TV programme ‘Take Me Out.’ Six girls represented six of the books and presented their case to be selected on a date by the Librarian (Shuma, 10E). Paddy (Amy Coffey) facilitated the presentation.

The event was compered by author of Tall Story, Candy Gourlay.

Other Islington schools put on presentations, powerpoints, videos and it was a very enjoyable afternoon  and lovely to see so many students inspired by books. Wonder by RJ Palacio was the overwhelming favourite of the students, but Maggot Moon by Sally Gardner was the national winner. 

Congratulations to all those who took part!