Behind the Bookshelf

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A new way of bringing authors into the classroom – and a special competition for Books for Keeps readers.

Children’s Book Publicist, Mary Byrne, has set up a new website, designed for use in classrooms and libraries.Having spent many years organising author tours, and often accompanying authors on school visits, Mary felt there was “an opportunity to package a bit of the magic of an author visit and deliver it in a new way”.

The idea behind the new website, called www.behindthebookshelf.co.uk
simple. Hundreds of short film clips feature top authors talking about aspects of the creative writing process.  These can be organised in a variety of ways and streamed directly into the classroom. Teachers or librarians can register as a member and take out an annual subscription (very cheaply if they act before the end of January 2012). This gives them total flexibility for use of the site. Authors currently featured are David Almond, Malorie Blackman, Melvin Burgess, Morris Gleitzman, Sophie McKenzie, Marcus Sedgwick and Darren Shan. ‘It is a huge vote of confidence to have such a great line up of authors for the launch, and really exciting to do something new. It is fascinating listening to authors talk about the writing process. I still find it inspirational, after all these years, and we’ve already had some excellent feedback from children who have been using it in the classroom”.

SPECIAL COMPETITION FOR BOOKS FOR KEEPS READERS

FREE SUBSCRIPTIONS: There are three free subscriptions to be won by Books for Keeps subscribers.All you need to do is register on the site and enter BFK1 in the promotional code box and three registrants will win a one-year subscription to Behind the Bookshelf. Register at http://www.behindthebookshelf.co.uk/register