Author shares her insights with students

Popular children’s writer Harriet Goodwin visited Felpham Community College to give an inspirational talk about her life as an author to Year 7 students and visiting Year 6 pupils. She read from her latest book, Gravenhunger, and answered questions.

Gravenhunger is inspired by the magnificent Sutton Hoo Anglo-Saxon ship burial. It is one of the nine titles included on the shortlist for this year’s West Sussex Children’s Book Awards.

Harriet, who is also a professional singer, warmed up by going through some of her vocal exercises, before describing how a particularly vivid dream became the inspiration for her first book, the award-winning Boy Who Fell Down Exit 43. She took the children through some of the tricks of the writer’s craft, such as the best way to convey lively and interesting description, before introducing them to the significant objects behind the story of Gravenhunger.

Afterwards she signed copies of her novels for her of new fans. The winner of this year’s awards will be announced in March.