Edge Grove recently welcomed popular children’s author and football enthusiast Dan Freedman for a captivating creative writing workshop and a special insight into what it is like to be an author and what inspires him to write his novels. The school has also been personally invited to participate in some pilot work for Dan linked to the adaptation of his novels for a new TV series, which will air on CBBC in the future.
The session began with Dan telling the children about his life as an author and his background in football. One of the pupils won a signed football from Dan for asking the best question during what was a very enthusiastic Q&A after his talk. Following this, the year six pupils were given a masterclass in writing and the year eight children judged the stories written during the workshop. The best pieces will be published on Dan’s own website.
Year six pupils received a writing masterclass
Dan’s popular Jamie Johnson series of books have inspired children across the country. He explained: “The idea behind my books was a very simple one. I wanted to write the kind of books that I would have loved to have read when I was younger. That meant lots of drama, fast-paced action and, of course lots of football. The other ingredient was to share and tap into the unique experiences that I was lucky enough to have when I was working in football.”
Dan donated a complete copy of the series of his books to the schools’ library and was moved by the natural enthusiasm he witnessed from the children. He concluded: “I had a wonderful day at Edge Grove, it was a privilege to spend time with the terrific staff and pupils. The children’s enthusiasm was infectious and they asked such great and intelligent questions during the talk. Some of the writing they produced during the workshop itself was truly exceptional.’
Ben Evans, headmaster at Edge Grove School, commented: “It was a great honour to welcome Dan to our school and to be asked to get involved with the pilot work for the new TV series; we will be official trailblazers! The children really got a lot out of the workshop too because Dan is very inspiring and fun to work with.”
