‘A writer only begins a book. A reader finishes it.’ – Samuel Johnson
Please contact me to discuss school visits! I would love to come and meet your students and talk books and creative writing. I also love working with home education hubs.
In person visits
These can include a mixture of assembly talk, either on a particular book or a general overview of climate-fiction, and creative writing workshop (on writing stories influenced by nature and climate change). All visits include a free book signing.
One session (either assembly talk or writing workshop): £200 + travel
Half day (two sessions): £300 + travel
Full day (three sessions): £400 + travel
If I can’t reasonably travel within a day from London (by public transport), I’ll need to charge accomodaton on top.
Virtual visits
30 minute Q&A for classes reading my book. This works best when students have finished or have almost finished the book, and when questions have been prepared in advance. £50
For longer sessions (one hour), I charge £125. I’ll introduce my books and talk about writing climate-fiction. I always leave time for questions at the end. This can be a great way to introduce one of my books as a class reader.
Particular topics include:
- Inspirations for Where the World Turns Wild (including nature writing, fairytales and real places)
- Future worlds and Between Sea and Sky (looking at the climate and biodiversity crisis, pollinators and seaweed).
- Travelling to the far north in Beyond the Frozen Horizon (looking at writing the future, being hopeful, Arctic landscapes and wildlife, and green technology)
I love hearing from readers! I am unable to respond individually to young people, but will do my upmost to answer questions in the Frequently Asked Questions section of this website. You can also write to me care of Little Tiger Press, 1 Coda Studios, 189 Munster Road, London SW6 6AW.
For TV/Film rights questions please contact Gillie Russell at Found.
Testimonies for visits
“Thank you so much for today’s talk. It was wonderful. It gave the children a fantastic insight to the book and the life of the writer…they were totally engaged.” – Year 6 teacher, Amersham, June 2021
“It was a wonderful opportunity for them- thank you so much. They were talking about it for the rest of the day.” – Bishopton Primary, October 2021
“Just wanted to say a huge thankyou for your time spent with our students today. They will have benefitted hugely from meeting you and you must have made them feel very comfortable for them to ask so many questions!” – Librarian at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, October 2021
“Nicola held a Q and A session with our Year 6 class; she answered all our questions in detail and provided some great advice on being an author, shared what inspired her writing and gave us some great insight into her book characters. Would fully recommend a virtual session with Nicola.” – Ben Rhydding Primary, May 2021
“It was an absolute pleasure to have Nicola for a virtual author visit. She was so professional and prepared and had the most beautifully designed presentation. Her enthusiasm for her work and love of reading shined through. She had our Year 7s intrigued and attentive for one hour and left them wanting more.” – Hornsey School for Girls, June 2021
“The children were so excited about the virtual meeting with Nicola Penfold… Nicola shared information about how she got the ideas for her stories, characters and settings as well as answering our questions. Nicola made every child feel valued listening carefully to their questions, praising them and providing super responses. The whole experience of meeting an author has opened the children’s eyes to the world beyond school and gave them a renewed interested in reading.” – Chiltern Primary School, June 2021
Feedback from children!
“It was a dream come true to meet the author of the book I loved reading in class!” Leopard Class Member
“Seeing Nicola live was great and she instantly answered our questions.” Leopard Class Member
“It was lovely to hear all the ideas behind her writing and to find out she magpies ideas from other authors too, just like us.” Leopard Class Member
nicolapenfold.com 