Following my trip up North to my birth county of South Yorkshire last week, it was nice to be working closer to home in Devon this week. Quite an eventful week it was in fact with a triage of showcase events in Plymouth, Exmouth and Newton Abbot... then a couple of great events in my home town of Torquay to complete another creative writing project and attend a local speech day, as guest of honour!
Let's start with the first showcase presentation at Haytor View Primary in Newton Abbot on Monday. I knew this was going to be a successful visit because of the effort demonstrated by the event organiser at the school. Graeme Hankin made sure everything went to plan... and boy did the students appreciate the show. The atmosphere inside the school hall was tremendous... and the enthusiasm lasted throughout the showcase. It was a hot day and with all the windows wide open, a popular signing event ensued with lot's of new Bradley Baker fans enjoying their new signed copies.
 My next stop was in Exmouth... I thought Haytor View were organised!!! Well, Ben Humphries at Brixington ensured that I had an equally tremendous author visit, as I presented to over 350 pupils in the sweltering heat inside the school hall. The showcase proved very inspiring and another legion of Bradley Baker followers queued patiently to have their books signed. This was my first visit to the Exmouth area but I will definitely be back during the new academic year.
The third showcase event of the week took place at Ernsettle Community School near Plymouth. Charlotte Parry arranged another fantastic visit and again the children were brilliant, as they sat enthused through a very entertaining show. Another long queue for signed copies of the Bradley Baker adventure books formed along the corridor, as the library hummed with air of excitement.

On Wednesday I revisited Cockington Primary in Torquay to complete the final book publication project of the 2012/13 academic year.... "Adventures of a Lifetime" was my sixth successful school book publication created during a series of workshops, which have helped to publish over 200 new young authors. I'll be returning to Cockington next year to work with another group of talented pupils. All the books produced this year by the students are available online and you can find out more information by clicking on the following website http://www.authorvisitstoschools.com
The week ended with a wonderful speech day at the Livermead House Hotel in Torquay. I was invited to attend as guest of honour by the senior management team at Tower House School in Paignton. Following a short speech and prize giving, I was invited to a special celebratory lunch at the No7 restaurant in Torquay and enjoyed a fabulous seafood meal.
Next week I will be visiting schools in Wiltshire and the week will conclude with a trip to Plymouth for the penultimate showcase of the academic year... catch up you all again this time next week!!!
Best wishes DLJ