I'm delighted to have been invited to appear on BBC Radio Lincolshire this weekend as a guest on a new show called The Story Teller.
The show is hosted by Ella Wydrzynska, the winner of a fantastic competition called Be The One. Contestants had to pitch their idea for a new show and present a sample episode. First prize was to make the whole ten-week series for broadcast.
Ella's concept, The Story Teller, was a show all about stories, books and reading for children - a subject close to her heart, as she is studying for a PhD in children's literature at Nottingham University. Ella proposed to interview a different writer each week, and - the fun part - to ask each writer to come up with a chapter for an interactive story - based entirely on suggestions sent in by listeners!
I'm sure you'll agree it's a great idea. Luckily the judges agreed, and Ella won first prize.
I was so happy to be asked to take part in The Story Teller. I've known Ella for a long time. Ever since she was in sixth form and did a course with the amazing Villiers Park and I was an on-line mentor - someone that students could ask for advice or feedback about the careers they were hoping to move into - creative writing/publishing in this case. Over the years, we exchanged e-mails, discussing ideas and options. I really did very little, other than stand back in admiration, as Ella's determination and creativity led her from success to success; from degree to Masters to PhD. Alongside her academic studies, Ella has also built up an impressive portfolio of experience in student radio - which leads back to the Radio Lincolnshire competition.
So, this Sunday I'm off to Lincoln to be on the show. I'm really looking forward to chance for a good old discussion of children's books. Not least, because I have never actually met Ella in person - although we've chatted by e-mail all these years!
And then there is the interactive story element. I have the job of writing the first chapter, based on audience suggestions from last week. I won't give too much away, but let's just say that it will feature sewers, a talking crocodile and a dog called Skipper. I've decided that Skipper will look a little like this:
Tune in on Sunday to find out what happens . . . I'll be on from 2-3pm.
If you've not heard of Villiers Park, do have a look at their website to find out more. They are a charity committed to equality in educational outcomes, access to higher education and careers across the UK, with more than 50 years' expertise, working with 2,000 young people each year.
The show is hosted by Ella Wydrzynska, the winner of a fantastic competition called Be The One. Contestants had to pitch their idea for a new show and present a sample episode. First prize was to make the whole ten-week series for broadcast.
Ella's concept, The Story Teller, was a show all about stories, books and reading for children - a subject close to her heart, as she is studying for a PhD in children's literature at Nottingham University. Ella proposed to interview a different writer each week, and - the fun part - to ask each writer to come up with a chapter for an interactive story - based entirely on suggestions sent in by listeners!
I'm sure you'll agree it's a great idea. Luckily the judges agreed, and Ella won first prize.
I was so happy to be asked to take part in The Story Teller. I've known Ella for a long time. Ever since she was in sixth form and did a course with the amazing Villiers Park and I was an on-line mentor - someone that students could ask for advice or feedback about the careers they were hoping to move into - creative writing/publishing in this case. Over the years, we exchanged e-mails, discussing ideas and options. I really did very little, other than stand back in admiration, as Ella's determination and creativity led her from success to success; from degree to Masters to PhD. Alongside her academic studies, Ella has also built up an impressive portfolio of experience in student radio - which leads back to the Radio Lincolnshire competition.
So, this Sunday I'm off to Lincoln to be on the show. I'm really looking forward to chance for a good old discussion of children's books. Not least, because I have never actually met Ella in person - although we've chatted by e-mail all these years!
And then there is the interactive story element. I have the job of writing the first chapter, based on audience suggestions from last week. I won't give too much away, but let's just say that it will feature sewers, a talking crocodile and a dog called Skipper. I've decided that Skipper will look a little like this:
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| Skipper ready for adventure (photograph from American Kennel Club) |
If you've not heard of Villiers Park, do have a look at their website to find out more. They are a charity committed to equality in educational outcomes, access to higher education and careers across the UK, with more than 50 years' expertise, working with 2,000 young people each year.