I am available for writing workshops, presentations and panel events. I have appeared at literary festivals such as Kendal Mountain Book Festival, Bradford Literature Festival and the International Literature Festival Dublin, and in libraries across Scotland. If you are interested in booking an event please get in touch via the contact page.
School Visits
Doing school visits is one of my favourite parts of being a writer! I am happy to present in a classroom or outside under the trees and can tailor a visit plan to your class’ needs.
A typical school visit lasts around 60-90 minutes. I will usually start with an introduction about the inspiration for my first book and how I became an author. We then go through some exercises in character development, writing rich settings and generating story ideas from a place (whether real or imagined). Interspersed are map-reading and adventure-planning activities. There are short readings throughout and time for questions and answers at the end.
These events are aimed at ages 8-12 and can be tailored to focus more specifically on creating fantasy worlds, drafting and editing your work, or retelling folk and fairy tales. I have also given careers presentations to older students about working as a writer and the publishing process.
Preferably pupils will have an opportunity to purchase the book ahead of time or in partnership with a local bookseller on the day, to allow for signing at the end.
Where a physical event is not possible I am happy to do digital presentations and Q&A sessions. For virtual events I can provide signed bookplates by post.
I charge a fixed rate per session and ask for reimbursement of travel costs if the event is not local (i.e. outside of Edinburgh and the Lothians). To enquire about rates and availability please get in touch via the contact page on my website.
Partial funding is available for visits in Scotland via the Live Literature Author Directory.
Further resources for teachers are available here.
I loved the way we added to the map to think of our own story ideas: I’m going to use that idea in class next time we have to write a story.
Eddie, pupil at St Bees
St Bees Village School
This was an excellent visit which really caught the children’s attention… The children were fascinated by Alex’s story as it was set in Cumbria; they thoroughly enjoyed the map activity in the workshop. A hugely successful visit!
John Lee, Escape Education/ Bransty Primary School
Huge thanks to the fabulous author Alex Mullarky for bringing her time, energy and talents at Bransty today… A very special day!
Morland School
Our year 5 children all came back full of enthusiasm and lovely stories from the day.
All photos on this page are used with permission.
Alex Mullarky 