Book a visit/event
Book Gill for a Visit or Event
Visits/Events
One of the best parts of being an author is the chance to meet and interact with readers. I love delivering events in schools and libraries and at literary and science festivals and I’m always happy to be approached to come and talk.
I am happy to tailor sessions to the age and number of people in the audience and provide a fun and informative event. I have spoken to audiences ranging in size from 1 to over 300 and from pre-school to 80+.
Here are some event ideas:
Writing (Ages 8 and up)
Where do Stories Come From?
This is a question authors are asked during almost every school visit, and looking at the answer in detail stimulates pupils’ own writing. Stories are important in non-fiction too, helping to engage an audience almost by stealth. Find out how to capture ideas from the wild, how place names can inspire a whole book, and why you should always eavesdrop on public transport…
Writing (Ages 8 and up)
Writing Non-fiction
How to go about tackling a non-fiction writing project, from selecting your topic to making sure that you’ve got your facts right and ensuring your audience can’t wait to read your work. The event uses examples from my science and history books.
Writing (Ages 8 and up)
Writing About History
This is a project delivered over 2 or 3 one-hour sessions, suitable for P5-S2. Session 1 looks at identifying resources, using research for A Secret Diary of the First World War as the mainexample. Between sessions 1 and 2, pupils are encouraged to choose a topic for their own writing. Session 2 looks at how to make sure sources are reliable, using examples from a variety of my non-fiction titles, and at how to connect with your readers. Between sessions 2 and 3 pupils are encouraged to work on their own piece of historical writing. In Session 3 (if included) I talk to pupils individually about their own writing. Each session includes time for Q&A.
Ages 8-Adult (Non-Fiction)
Balloon to the Moon
Events based on Balloon to the Moon, From Shore to Ocean Floor or From Cells to Ourselves tell the histories of flight, undersea exploration and evolution, from the first hot air balloons and boats to space stations and deep-sea submersibles; from the first cells to life on earth today. Find out about the inventors, explorers and investigators behind these amazing stories of science history.
Ages 8-Adult (Non-Fiction)
From Shore to Ocean Floor
Events based on Balloon to the Moon, From Shore to Ocean Floor or From Cells to Ourselves tell the histories of flight, undersea exploration and evolution, from the first hot air balloons and boats to space stations and deep-sea submersibles; from the first cells to life on earth today. Find out about the inventors, explorers and investigators behind these amazing stories of science history.
Ages 8-Adult (Non-Fiction)
From Cells to Ourselves
Events based on Balloon to the Moon, From Shore to Ocean Floor or From Cells to Ourselves tell the histories of flight, undersea exploration and evolution, from the first hot air balloons and boats to space stations and deep-sea submersibles; from the first cells to life on earth today. Find out about the inventors, explorers and investigators behind these amazing stories of science history.
Ages 8-Adult (Non-Fiction)
A Secret Diary of the First World War
tells the amazing true story of James Marchbank from Dalkeith near Edinburgh, who went to fight on the Western Front in 1914 – even though everyone knew he was only 14! He kept a trench diary throughout the four years he was on the front and survived to bring it home. His writings bring the conflict alive for readers of any age. Battles in the air, on land and at sea; rats and homing pigeons; tanks and trenches – it’s all here, through teenage eyes.
Ages 8-Adult (Non-Fiction)
Balloon to the Moon
Charting the history of flight, from the first hot-air balloon to the Apollo moon landings and beyond. Why did a sheep take the first balloon flight? What were the first animals to see the far side of the moon? Do you have what it takes to be an astronaut? Will you ever go on holiday to Mars? this is your chance to find out.
Ages 8-Adult (Non-Fiction)
The Amazing Life of Mary, Queen of Scots
Queen of Scots at six days old and of France at seventeen, Mary’s turbulent rule ended with her imprisonment in England for nineteen years and execution aged forty five – but every British monarch since then is descended from her. See her court through the eyes of Alec, a young servant at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Find out about her husbands and other animals, the importance of crowns and try to decode a secret message.
Ages 3-6
Fiction
Events based round my picture books Lost at the Zoo and The Giant Panda Party, both of which are set in Edinburgh Zoo.
Ages 8-12
Fiction
Events can be based round my Edinburgh-set novels The Chaos Clock and The Chaos Quest, or my Fife-based novels Winterbringers and Dark Spell.
Ages 11-14
Fiction
Events can be based round my teen fantasy novels Beneath and The Keepers’ Daughter.
Non-fiction (Ages 8-12)
What Makes You You?
An introduction to DNA. The session includes an opportunity to extract DNA from strawberries.
Non-fiction (Ages 8-12)
What Makes Your Brain or Body Work?
What Makes Your Body Work? An introduction to the organs of the body. The session includes a number of simple experiments for the audience to take part in.
What Makes Your Brain Work? An interactive event focussed on the workings of the brain, with particular emphasis on the senses – and how to fool them…
Non-fiction (Ages 8-12)
A Beginner’s Guide to Life on Earth:
The characteristics of life and a whistlestop tour of some of the most extraordinary examples.
how much does it cost?
Book Gill for a Visit or Event
My usual fee is in line with Scottish Book Trust Live Literature suggested rates, but do contact me with details of what you have in mind and I’ll let you know my fee for your event.