Saturday 28 July 2007

Rain, floods, and new reviews

We've had some really bad weather in the UK just lately. There has been lots and lots of rain, and some flooding, and because of this we had to drink bottled water for 24 hours! The wet weather has slowed down the growth of many plants, but it's been heaven on earth for the slugs and snails.

I took a photograph of this baby robin enjoying one of the brief spells of sunshine that we've had. Robins are very tame, and they often follow you round the garden, hoping that you'll turn over a juicy little caterpillar...

Alan Brown has just posted a new review of The Divide on his site, Just For Kids Who Love Books. This is the link: http://alanbrown.com/JustForKids/Reviews_07_Jul/Z_ReviewJul07.html

It's a really nice site, simple to use and easy to read. Take a look - there are lots of other book reviews up there, all written by kids aged 8 - 14, with useful pages such as how to write a letter to an author.

Of course, if the author has a website you can always send an email instead, and you'll find plenty of links to them there as well.

There's also a new review by Mark Robson on his own site, which I recommend you explore.
http://www.chronicles-network.com/forum/39609-the-divide-elizabeth-kay.html

Tuesday 10 July 2007

Writing classes

I shall be teaching two creative writing courses in the autumn term, starting in the week beginning 17th September. One will be at Therfield School, in Leatherhead, on Monday evenings, from 7.30 - 9.30. Details can be found on the WEA site.

The other will be at The Malden Centre, from 1.00 - 3.00 on Thursday afternoons. The Malden Centre is in Surrey, and can be reached by train from Waterloo, or bus from Kingston upon Thames.
http://www.kingston.gov.uk/browse/leisure/recreation_and_leisure/leisure_centres/malden_centre.htm