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In my last diary post I said that, as well as working, we had a few days out over the summer holidays. Not only does getting out and about give you a nice break from normal work days but it is also a great way of filling up your mind with sights and sounds that can give you ideas or things that can be use in stories. Whenever we go anywhere we always make sure we have a camera with us so we can take lots of picture of interesting things.
Over the summer we've had trips out: Tenby, Chester Zoo, London (including a day spent at the Warner Brothers Studios Harry Potter Tour)... We saw lots of things and took lots of pictures. Doing all this gave Vicky an idea for a new little story about a boy taking pictures of animals with his camera.
Just Like Me! is a very short story for young children - it only has 50 words but it's lots of fun and I'm sure very young children will enjoy sharing the story and looking at all the pictures. The book doesn't get published until May next year so it isn't even finished yet but this week my editor sent me a finished copy of the book's cover - illustrated by Federica Nuccio and Roberta Vottero - and I think it looks great. I wonder how two people do the illustrations together?
It's a wet Wednesday here in North East Wales... amazing how quickly the summer holidays have flown by and it's already time to go back to school and work... not that I haven't been working of course. Over the summer I've been busy writing but we've also had time for some really good days out. I will write and let you know about some of the things we've been up to over the next week or so.
Last week we were in Tenby, one of our favourite places to go. We had a great time with days of beautiful sunshine mixed in with a few heavy rain showers. For most of the week we had quite a lazy time just wandering around the town and along the beach - dodging the odd rainstorm like this one that had moved off over the sea.I took my camera everywhere we went as there's always something interesting to photograph... great for helping you get ideas for stories or for adding interesting little details. One day we spotted these strange things washed up on the beach and had no idea what they were... And they look even stranger up close... After a bit of research we discovered that they are Pelagic Gooseneck Barnacles. They are normally found in warmer parts of the world but they get carried around on the bottom of boats and on pieces of driftwood.There's lots of interesting things to see around the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast. The coastline is impressive enough with it's beaches, cliffs and caves but there's lots of wildlife too.
This Kestrel spent a lot of time sitting at the top of a mast while it kept it's eye out for something to eat... as soon as it spotted something it took to the air. I was just in the right place to get this picture as it glided by one afternoon.
It was Vicky's birthday while we were away from home and as a special treat we planned to take a boat trip and go dolphin spotting (I will write more about that soon)...
By: Damian Harvey,
on 7/2/2015
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To everyone at St Saviour CE Primary School in Bolton who sadly weren't able to join in with all the fun yesterday... hopefully I will be able to meet you all in the future.
Right now I have to get on with some writing but later today I will write all about yesterday's visits. It was fantastic meeting everyone and a real honour to be asked to officially open the brilliant new library at St Stephen's...
More soon...
This year's Summer Reading Challenge is getting ready to start. You can find out all about it at your local library and by visiting the Summer Reading Challenge page. The theme this year is RECORD BREAKERS - so go and join the fun at your local library... I'd love to hear how you are doing in the Challenge so why not send me an email and let me know what you are reading.Tomorrow I will be visiting St Michael's CE Primary School, St Gregory's RC Primary School and St Stephen Kearsley Moor CE Primary School in Bolton to talk about the Reading Challenge and to share stories and have lots of fun. I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone.This week I'm busy working on some very short stories for a publisher - and they need to be finished and sent off by the end of the week so I had better get on with them.
A couple of weeks ago I visited a couple of lovely schools, one in Repton and one in Burton Upon Trent. The schools were great but the view from my hotel wasn't so great....
This week things are different though...
It's ten o'clock in the evening and it's getting dark outside. It's been a beautiful sunny day today and quite warm too. Right now I'm sat on the bed in my hotel room at the University of Northampton. My window is wide open and I can hear birds singing and the gentle rhythm of the rain on the leaves outside. The air smells fresh and clean. A little rabbit has been sat on the grass for the last hour nibbling and enjoying the cool evening.On the way down here I drove through the beautiful little village of Naseby and I couldn't resist stopping off to take a look at the Cromwell Monument that stands on the Naseby Battlefield.
The Battle of Naseby, probably the most important battle of the English Civil War was fought on the 14th June 1645 between the Parliamentarian New Model Army commanded by Sir Thomas Fairfax and Sir Oliver Cromwell and the Royalist Army of King Charles I and Prince Rupert of the Rhine. The Royalist army were defeated and most of the King's army was lost.It looks peaceful here now and it's hard to imagine that such a huge battle took place here. You can find out more about the Battle of Naseby by clicking HERE.Think it's time to close the window and get some sleep... got a busy day tomorrow.
Today sees the publication of my latest little book and the postman arrived with a few copies for me... always an exciting time. The book, Robbie's Robot is out today in Hardback and the paperback version will be out next year (published by Franklin Watts - part of Hachette Children's Books).
It's always exciting to receive copies of a new book - no matter how big or small the book is... It's great seeing the story all together with the artwork. Robbie's Robot has been illustrated by the wonderful Rory Walker and he's done a great job of it too.
Robbie loves nothing better than lazing on his bed, reading comics, playing games, eating crisps and drinking pop. The trouble is, he hates tidying his bedroom and it gets messier and messier. Mum tells him that if he can't keep his room clean then he won't get any pocket money. Tidying his bedroom is hard work, but then Robbie has an idea. He looks on the internet and orders himself a robot... just the thing for keeping his room tidy.
Writing the little story I tried not to imagine how the robot would look so it was fantastic to see what Rory came up with... I love it. Robbie loves it too.... but if you were a robot would you be happy tidying Robbie's room?
Here's a BIG HELLO to everyone at Thrumpton Primary School in Retford and everyone at Grange Primary School in Burton On Trent.... looking forward to seeing you all soon.
We had lots of fun last week touring round the Highlands of Scotland, visiting Loch Ness and lots of other places... no sign of any monsters in the Loch - but I will write more about that tonight.
On this day in 1819, Alexandrina Victoria was born at Kensington Palace in London.
Here's a BIG HELLO to all of the Reading Stars that are coming along to join in the fun at the Cardiff City Stadium this week... I had a great time last week with everyone at the Swansea Stadium and now I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone from Pontypridd, Cathays High, Romily Primary School, Ifor Hael, Lakeside Primary, Albert Primary School, Dyffryn Taf, Ysgol Gyfun Penweddig and Fairwater Primary School (Ysgol Gynradd Y Tyllgoed)...
A big thank you to the national Literacy Trust for arranging the events and for inviting me to take part.
See you all soon.
I had a great time last week visiting The Liberty Stadium in Swansea - home to both Swansea City Football Club and the Ospreys Rugby Team - so that I could meet keen 'Premier League Reading Stars' from lots of schools in and around the Swansea area...
It was the first time I've been to Swansea though Vicky and I will certainly be going back to have a proper look round in the near future. When I go off visiting schools and libraries around the country I usually only get a brief glimpse of places (just motorways, a hotel room and a school or library - but sometimes that's enough to make us want to go back for a better look).
I had planned to arrive in Swansea earlier in the day so that I would have a bit more time to have a walk and a drive around but unfortunately our car was in the garage being repaired so I didn't get there until around 7 in the evening - just enough time to have a little walk before getting something for my tea and then settling down for a bit of rest before the rest of the week's activities. I was very impressed with the Sail Bridge that spans the river by the harbour...
On the morning of the visit to the Liberty Stadium I was up early for breakfast, a drive over to the stadium, set up for the day's events and still enough time for a little look round.
and past the Brecon Reservoir...
This week I'm off to Cardiff City Football Stadium for another big Premier League Reading Stars with the National Literacy Trust... I can't wait...
Today I'm in Swansea and very much looking forward meeting everyone at the Swansea City Football Stadium for a big event that has been arranged with the National Literacy Trust. I will blog more about the even and about the Premier League Football Stars but for now you can click HERE to visit the official website to find out all about it.
I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone involved, an especially the everyone from Beufort Hill, Abersychan School, Ysgol Lon Las, Awel Y Mor Primary School, Pengelli Primary School, St Mary's and St Patrick's RC Maesteg, Newton Primary School, Penyrheol Comprehensive, Cwmbach Community School, Bishop Gore School, and Pembroke Dock Community School. See you all soon...
I've had a busy few weeks visiting schools all over Great Britain - and in Switzerland too ( I will be writing a big blog post about that nest week...
On Monday I was up at half five in the morning and out on the Motorway just as the sun was beginning to rise - heading for Great Barr on the edge of Birmingham- so I could spend a couple of days with everyone at St Margaret's C of E Primary School. I had a great couple of days in school, sharing stories, working with the wonderful young writers and demonstrating just why it is that I don't illustrate my own books - though I do quite like King Wimpysocks here.There were lots of great ideas whizzing around and I can't wait to see some of the finished stories.Next Monday I'm staying much closer to home and am looking forward to meeting everyone at Ysgol Caer Nant (Brookfield Primary School) SEE YOU ALL SOON...
By: Damian Harvey,
on 3/27/2015
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I had a wonderful time meeting everyone at Monts - de - Corsier yesterday. A big thank you to everyone for making me feel so welcome and a special thank you to these two wonderful author/illustrators for sharing their excellent book about Mouse's big adventure. (I will add your picure on Saturday :-) )
A BIG HELLO and thank you to Reuben and Josh (and their Mum and Dad) of course, for letting me join them for tea... it was great to meet you. Hope you really enjoy the rest of Lord Of The Rings Reuben...
Today I'm looking forward to meeting everyone at Ecole Riviera... See you all soon.
By: Damian Harvey,
on 3/25/2015
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Here's a BIG HELLO to everyone at St George's School, the International School of Monts-de-Corsier and Ecole Riviera School in Montreux... I've had a great time with everyone at St George's today and can't wait to meet everyone else... When I get back home I will do a big diary post packed with news and pictures from my week in Switzerland.
By: Damian Harvey,
on 3/20/2015
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To everyone at St Anne's R.C. Primary School in Manchester... and especially year six. Looking forward to seeing you later today.
It's hard to believe that this is the first thing that I have written in my diary this year... I've been busy, busy, busy writing and visiting schools and libraries all over the place. From now on though I will make sure I make time to write in my diary... consider me well and truly told off.
Tomorrow I will write and let you know more about what I e been up to, where I've been and where I'm going.
This week I'm still busy working on the bigger book... at times it has been like wading through treacle but I'm delighted to say that it's moving among much better now... It's taken me quite a while to find the right voice for the story.
Here's a BIG HELLO to everyone at Ashurst Primary School - I'm all packed and ready and can't wait to meet everyone - It'll be a fun day.
And now the HELP! bit... As well as being busy writing new stories, I'm always looking for ways to make my website more interesting and useful. On my Free Stuff To Download page you can download colouring sheets and word searches but I am working on lots of new resources that you can download and use in the classroom or at home... lots of teachers have been asking me to do this so they can do follow on work in the classroom after I've visited school. I've got quite a few ideas of my own for things to add but I would love to hear your thoughts too... So! What would you like to see added to my site. You can email me or you can leave a message here in my diary. I look forward to hearing from everyone.
Had A fantastic day yesterday for my second visit to Ysgol Llanerchymedd on the Isle of Anglesey (Inys Mon). It was wonderful to see everyone again and to have the opportunity to spend more time working with the Year 5/6 and Year 3/4 classes to come up with story ideas. Last time I visited we had lots of fun working together to come up with story plots and I was amazed to see how much year 5/6 had continued with their story - even adding amazing illustrations... Here's the cover of the book they have made for their fantastic story about a teacher that has big ideas that always end up going wrong... Miss Honey Bee's Brain Waves...
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| Miss Honey Bee's Brainwaves |
Instead of working together to create, yesterday we came up with a very simple story idea and then everyone let their imaginations run wild as they made the idea their own and took it where they wanted. It was a real privilege to be able to work with Year 5/6 and offer help and advice and a little motivation so they could build on their Creepy Barn, Scary Farm experience... How would you like it if your bus broke down and you had to stay the night in a creepy barn that was filled with rats, spiders and wandering Scarecrows??? HELP... I'M A WRITER - GET ME OUT OF HERE!!!
In the afternoon I was able to work with the year 3/4 class who have been very busy indeed leaning about the Celts - visiting ancient Celtic ruins and writing about them. It was great working with everyone to come up with a story idea that involved time travel, ancient runes and fun and adventure in ancient Celtic times... Well done everyone!!!
Today I'm hard at work on my bigger book and feeling very pleased with the way it's moving along now that I've found the right voice for the story... Exciting Stuff!
Tomorrow I will be spending the day with everyone at Daisyfield Primary School... See you all soon - I'm looking forward to meeting everyone.
Today I'm doing a bit of writing and preparing to visit Ysgol Llanerchymedd on Ynys Môn (the Isle of Anglesey) tomorrow. This will be my first visit to the school and I'm very much looking forward to meeting everyone there.
So here's a BIG HELLO to everyone at Ysgol Llanerchymedd.... See you soon.
By: Damian Harvey,
on 10/27/2014
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Today is our second Wedding Anniversary so there will be no writing, texting, tweeting or anything... phones and laptops are switched of and we're spending a lovely couple of days together in the same perfect place where we spent our honeymoon.
Happy Anniversary to my beautiful wife, Vicky...
If you'd like to see more pictures from our perfect day click on Our Wedding on my website.
Over the past month I've been busy, busy, busy visiting schools and libraries all over the place. I've been trying to squeeze in a little writing too but haven't had time to put anything in my diary for ages. I love getting out from behind my laptop and going into schools and libraries to share stories and work with people on their own writing. It's lots of fun and a real privilege to meet so many keen young writers.
On Friday this week I will be spending the day with everyone at Moss Lane Infant School in Surrey so here's a BIG HELLO to everyone there. I can't wait to meet everyone.
A couple of weeks ago I spent the whole week visiting schools and Libraries in the Vale of Glamorgan - starting with a visit to Llansannor Primary School (the Mountain School).
It took me quite a while to find the school - tucked away as it is down some very narrow country lanes - but it was well worth it.I then visited schools and libraries with the Vale of Glamorgan Library Service so here's a huge hello and thank you to everyone that came along and joined in the sessions - and a special hello to everyone at Cogan Primary School who sent me this wonderful letter full of self portraits. It was great visiting Eagleswell Primary School in Llantwit Major where I got to see some familiar faces and meet lots of new people.Last week I took a train to Chester from our home in Wales - then a train from Chester to Crewe, rushed across the station to catch another train to Euston Station in London, followed by one of the Underground trains across to St Pancras International and then the Eurostar across London, under the Channel, through France and into Brussels. From there it was a short taxi ride Tervuren so I could spend a couple of days at the wonderful British School Brussels (BSB). This isn't one of the trains I caught, it was part of the playground at school... great isn't it.
The BSB were celebrating book week in a big way and had invited lots of authors, illustrators, storytellers and poets. It was a real pleasure meeting everyone in school - the staff and students were so friendly and welcoming - it was an absolute delight. There was even a little welcome bag waiting for me in my room... perfect.It was also fantastic to have the chance to meet and chat with the other authors as most of the time I visit schools on my own. So here's a BIG HELLO and THANK YOU to everyone at the BSB and to all the other authors taking part - including Adam Bushnell, Liz Million, Theresa Breslin, Adisa, Helen Grant and Andy Mulligan. Here's Andy with megaphone in hand just before we climbed onto the cherry picker and went 30 foot into the air to shout out a big welcome to everyone as they arrived at school. Driving around Tervuren we couldn't help admiring some of the beautiful houses but we were particularly drawn to this interesting fountain that decorates one of the roundabouts...That's all I've got time to write at the moment.... but come back soon as I'll be writing more...
Just got home after spending a great day at Ysgol Sychdyn, just up the road in Flintshire. It was great to see some familiar faces and to meet lots of new people too for lots of book and storytelling fun and lots of great questions being asked by everyone...
Looking forward to going back tomorrow to work on some story writing and to work more on the story with Year 5 - An Evil Scientist, Robot Guinea Pig Army and a girl called Georgina Box to thwart his plans - Phew!!!
This morning, and during the week, I've been busy working on my bigger book. I'm very happy with the way it's coming together and am very hopeful that I will have a completed first draft by the end of this week. I've had to make a lot of tweaks and changes to the first few chapters as the story has evolved and developed as it's gone along.
As well as this bigger book I have also worked on a few shorter books for younger readers. One of the books - Robbie's Robot - will be published next year. I've just been sent the finished cover and the rough layouts for the inside. I can't show you the rough layouts yet but here's the cover - illustrated by the excellent Rory Walker. I think it's great and hope you like it too.
By: Damian Harvey,
on 9/3/2014
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Whilst in Tenby, a few weeks ago, we went to visit Pendine Sands - just a little drive along the coast from where we were staying. With its long, flat beach Pendine Sands was a popular spot for land speed record breakers in the early 1900's.
Today there is a Museum of Speed at Pendine Sands where you can learn about some of the record attempts that were made their and also see some of the old motorcycles and one of the record breaking cars - Babs.On September 25th 1924 Malcolm Campbell achieved a new land speed record in his Sunbeam 350HP - the first of many land speed record breakers to be powered by an aircraft engine. Campbell reached 146.16 miles per hour (235.22 kilometres per hour) - it was his first land speed record. The following year, Campbell beat his own record by reaching 150.87 mph (242.8 km/h). Then, in 1926, Wrexham born John Godfrey Parry-Thomas smashed this record by reaching 170 mph (273.6 km/h) in his car BABS. Interestingly, BABS was originally called Chitty 4 (also known as the Higham Special as it was built on the Higham Estate by Clive Gallop for Count Louis Zborowski. The Count, who was a keen amateur racing driver died before Chitty 4 was completed and the car was then bought by J D Parry Thomas. 
The Count's cars and racing adventures later helped to inspire author Ian Fleming to write Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang: The Magical Car (published in 1964). You might know Ian Fleming better as the creator and original author of the James Bond books... On February 4th, 1927, Campbell beat Parry-Thomas's record in Bluebird II - achieving 174.88 mph (281.44 km/h). Later that same year, Parry-Thomas tried to beat Campbell's record. Unfortunately, Parry-Thomas's car went out of control and the daring speed racer was killed. BABS was buried in the sand and land speed record attempts at Pendine Sands came an end. After the crash, Babs was buried in the sand on Pendine Sands and there it remained until 1969 when the car was dug up and restored.
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