Head's Newsletter 2 February 2018

VISITING AUTHOR

Shared Writing: Stories from a Local Journalist On Wednesday 24 th January, the Creative Writing Club were fortunate to have been visited by a local freelance journalist, Nick Duerden.

On Thursday 18 January, Year 7 was paid a special visit by best-selling author Ross Welford, who has written, 'Time Travelling with a Hamster ', 'What Not To Do If You Turn Invisible ' and 'The 1000-Year-Old Boy' . He spoke to Year 7 with much humour as he described his latest book ( The 1000- Year-Old Boy ). He even gave us an exclusive look inside what he is planning for his next exciting book! We were given a tutorial on how to write a story and we even made up our own as a year group. At the end, he signed books that students had bought. We can’t wait until his next book is published.

The lunchtime discussion revolved around Mr Duerden’s career in journalism: He had many stories to share with the boys about writing features on famous pop stars, among other pieces of work. Mr Duerden also discussed his inspirations for becoming a writer, and how his studies supported his entry into the profession; both of which allowed the boys a great insight into the importance of writing, and the motives that some people have to write for our society today. Tiffin’s creative writers made the most of this opportunity, and showed a keen curiosity and engagement with Mr Duerden by asking him questions about a range of topics, including the rigours of the editorial process, self-motivation and integrity in writing, and the liberties of self-publishing. Due to the success of this first workshop and the boys’ interest, the Creative Writing Club will be visited again by Mr Duerden on Wednesday in the last week of this half term: The boys are looking forward to hearing more about the processes of writing, and to editing their own work with the guidance of an experienced writer.

By Meet Thakker and Leo Saggese Yr7