Author and screenwriter Simon James Green visited St John’s Academy today, Wednesday September 28, to run a writing workshop and to speak to students as part of Marlborough LitFest’s Big School Read 2023. Simon is one of the UK’s leading writers of LGBTQ+teen fiction. His book Life of Riley was shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award and featured in Booktrust’s Great Books Guide. Noah Can’t Even was selected by WHSmith as one of the most important LGBT books of the last 50 years, and Alex in Wonderland was nominated for the Carnegie Medal 2020.
Simon’s entertaining talk to Year 10 students, ‘Own the Awkward’ included comedy anecdotes from Simon’s own school days, and tackled all things writing, from inspiration, process and craft, to the key themes discussed in his books. Simon was keen to explain why funny books are important and should be celebrated and why LGBTQ+ teens need funny books more than ever. He explained how he believes ‘owning the awkward’ is the best approach for getting through secondary school and life in general!
Simon also talked about the journey of a book from first draft to publication and how to become an author.
Twenty lucky students participated in a writing comedy workshop run by Simon. There was much laughter as Simon showed the students a range of techniques and a guided writing exercise which allowed them to create funny stories in minutes. One particular exercise was how to create a comedy underdog character with a simple 3-step process.
Students commented, “10/10 funny, three amazing opening jokes, informative and helpful.” And “Very informative, intriguing and especially fun! We loved to hear about Mr Green’s ideas and absolutely adored coming up with our own wacky scenarios.”
Anne Stokes, Learning Manager at St John’s, said, “What an inspiring, entertaining and enjoyable morning. The students learnt so much about the craft of a writer.”
Marlborough.news sponsored this LitFest event.
Flu clinics – last call
