Helen Watts is available for author talks and writing workshops in schools and libraries. She is willing to tailor her events to suit the age of pupils, group size, venue and the time available. However, her standard sessions usually include an author presentation and a reading from one or more of Helen's books, followed by a practical activity or, for longer sessions, a creative writing workshop.
Many of Helen's school and library visits and author talks focus on historical fiction and link to her debut, Second World War novel One Day In Oradour and her historical mystery adventure No Stone Unturned. Other sessions have focused on writing stories in the style of a legend, inspired by Helen's short story collections.
All events include a question and answer session and an opportunity to buy books and have them signed by the author.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Helen worked for over 20 years in educational publishing. She was Editor of Literacy Time magazine (Scholastic), was Literacy Publisher at Heinemann and Co-director of The Literacy Club. Helen is also Children's Events Coordinator for the Stratford upon Avon Literary Festival.
One Day In Oradour by Helen Watts (A&C Black/Bloomsbury, May 2013).
The Ghost of the Trenches and other Stories from the First World War by Helen Watts & Taffy Thomas MBE (A&C Black/Bloomsbury, April 2014).
First World War Folk Tales by Helen Watts & Taffy Thomas MBE (The History Press, August 2014).
No Stone Unturned by Helen Watts (A&C Black/Bloomsbury, September 2014).
Helen has also written a wide range of Teachers' Resources on topics varying from Royal Weddings to the Olympic Games.