WRITING SQUADS

If you're aged 8  - 16, live in the West  Midlands and love to write, there's some very exciting news - you can now join a Writing Squad! Organised by the Birmingham Book Festival, the squads meet every month in Birmingham Central Library. Three professional writers, including me, will be leading the sessions.

The squads are a club for young writers, a place where you can get support with your writing, meet other people who love writing (and reading) as much as you do,and of course, talk to and learn from professional writers. The Squad sessions aren't like school, so don't expect lessons - they're more like elite training for writers.

Get in touch with jonathan@briminghambookfestival.org to sign up. All you need is a pen, a love of writing and an open mind! (Although if necessary, we can  provide the pen).


MANY CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of the Usborne Young Writers' Award competition. I had a wonderful day with the five highly talented young writers - Zachary, Anita, Anna, Toby and Isaac - and the other Usborne authors.

Click here to read the stories and see the winners

If you entered, but didn't win, don't be downhearted. Keep on writing and keep on reading, and try again next year.

CHIPS, BEANS AND LIMOUSINES has been shortlisted for the Explore Book Award - wow, thank you, Wigan!

CHIPS, BEANS AND LIMOUSINES is a Red House Award read of the year for 2009

SOCKS, SHOCKS AND SECRETS is included on Writeaway.org.uk's 'diaries and journals' reading list.

DOUGHNUTS, DREAMS AND DRAMA QUEENS: Out now!

(Don't be fooled by the cute appearance of the little dog Bathsheba is holding. He's a canine terror!)