We were thrilled to welcome author Abi Elphinstone to Aysgarth for an absolutely brilliant and inspiring talk. She captivated our pupils by sharing why she became a writer, how she develops her stories, and the importance of curiosity and observation. Abi encouraged the children to think like detectives and find the extraordinary in the ordinary. She highlighted how everyday details, from shower gel names to ice cream flavours with exciting names, have been immortalised in her books.

Pupils loved her interactive exercises, using unusual objects like torches, playing cards, stopwatches and even bones to imagine what if… scenarios and develop characters, villains, and thrilling story journeys. A huge theme of the session was getting out into nature, travelling to find stories, and collecting names, words and ideas wherever inspiration strikes. The children were fully engaged, asking so many questions that the session could easily have lasted all day! Signed books were collected, and one of our pupils even came dressed as Ember Spark, a character from Abi's stories.

Her message resonated strongly: never be afraid to fail, stay curious, and persist. A truly inspiring session that left everyone brimming with ideas and excitement for writing.

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