David Lawrence Jones's Blog, page 4
March 2, 2013
A week full of adventure...
Wowzers!!! What a very busy week this has been... with lot's of school events in Devon filled with adventure stories and a great deal of creative writing from some very talented students!
On Monday morning I attended Galmpton Primary School near Brixham to host the third of four literacy workshops with a class of year 6 pupils. We are just one step away from completing their book publication project for the school, which will feature the children's "disaster-themed" stories. Then in the afternoon I visited Brixham C of E Primary School to complete their publication project... uploads were completed and class 6 have created a fantastic book of short stories, which is now available to purchase online and titled "The Mystery Piano"... please look out for it and support the project!
On Tuesday it was time to work with the Gifted and Talented children again from all 12 schools in the Totnes Learning Community. We held the final "Character Building" workshop in the library at KEVICC and I'm really looking forward to the awards ceremony on 12th March in the Aerial Theatre where the winning character will be chosen to feature in my next Bradley Baker adventure; the Gullfather of New York.
Cockington Community Primary School was my next stop on Wednesday morning... the first of four literacy workshops. Sixty children were chosen to take part in character profiling sessions, which will lead to the publication of their very own school book of short adventure stories. I'm looking forward to our next session in three weeks time... after the children have drafted their stories ready for editing!
Thursday was a very interesting day and a change to my normal routine... in the morning I was invited to judge a poetry competition at Abbey School in Torquay. Special thanks to Kirsty Porter for asking me to assess the finalists, who represented children from all age groups who were outstanding and it was a difficult task to choose the overall winners. I will be returning to Abbey School next week to showcase my Bradley Baker adventure books and affording the children an opportunity to have their very own books signed too. In the afternoon I whizzed upto Exeter to attend a showcase presentation at Countess Wear Community Primary School... and I returned the following day to host a book signing event. A massive thank you to Louise, Julie, Gilly and Bryony for all your help. The children were very excited when I arrived and I received a fantastic reception... following a presentation by the Lord Mayor in the hall, the eager students made their way to the library and certainly showed how enthused they were by purchasing copious amounts of books from my signing table!
On Friday, I also attended St Sidwell's Primary School in the heart of Exeter's Cathedral City and the children loved the Bradley Baker showcase... and a big thank you to Fliss for arranging the event. I'll be returning next Monday to meet all the children again to answer questions and hold a book signing event in the school library.
I'm very much looking forward to "World Book Week"... next week is crammed-packed with more school events and I'll update you on how they all went next time.
Bye for now and thanks for reading this latest blog update... have a great week!
Best wishes, DLJ
On Monday morning I attended Galmpton Primary School near Brixham to host the third of four literacy workshops with a class of year 6 pupils. We are just one step away from completing their book publication project for the school, which will feature the children's "disaster-themed" stories. Then in the afternoon I visited Brixham C of E Primary School to complete their publication project... uploads were completed and class 6 have created a fantastic book of short stories, which is now available to purchase online and titled "The Mystery Piano"... please look out for it and support the project!
On Tuesday it was time to work with the Gifted and Talented children again from all 12 schools in the Totnes Learning Community. We held the final "Character Building" workshop in the library at KEVICC and I'm really looking forward to the awards ceremony on 12th March in the Aerial Theatre where the winning character will be chosen to feature in my next Bradley Baker adventure; the Gullfather of New York.
Cockington Community Primary School was my next stop on Wednesday morning... the first of four literacy workshops. Sixty children were chosen to take part in character profiling sessions, which will lead to the publication of their very own school book of short adventure stories. I'm looking forward to our next session in three weeks time... after the children have drafted their stories ready for editing!
Thursday was a very interesting day and a change to my normal routine... in the morning I was invited to judge a poetry competition at Abbey School in Torquay. Special thanks to Kirsty Porter for asking me to assess the finalists, who represented children from all age groups who were outstanding and it was a difficult task to choose the overall winners. I will be returning to Abbey School next week to showcase my Bradley Baker adventure books and affording the children an opportunity to have their very own books signed too. In the afternoon I whizzed upto Exeter to attend a showcase presentation at Countess Wear Community Primary School... and I returned the following day to host a book signing event. A massive thank you to Louise, Julie, Gilly and Bryony for all your help. The children were very excited when I arrived and I received a fantastic reception... following a presentation by the Lord Mayor in the hall, the eager students made their way to the library and certainly showed how enthused they were by purchasing copious amounts of books from my signing table!
On Friday, I also attended St Sidwell's Primary School in the heart of Exeter's Cathedral City and the children loved the Bradley Baker showcase... and a big thank you to Fliss for arranging the event. I'll be returning next Monday to meet all the children again to answer questions and hold a book signing event in the school library.
I'm very much looking forward to "World Book Week"... next week is crammed-packed with more school events and I'll update you on how they all went next time.
Bye for now and thanks for reading this latest blog update... have a great week!
Best wishes, DLJ
February 28, 2013
School 'Book Publication' workshops progressing well...
I am now working with more and more schools than ever before... word of my creative literacy workshops has created a huge demand for my services within Devon. And soon I'll start working with students in Gloucester during April and I'm very pleased to be breaking through the borders of Devon at last.
Current projects include 12 schools within the Totnes Learning Community... I've been working with a group of Gifted and Talented students over the past 6 weeks and this will conclude with an awards ceremony at Kevicc on 12th March where one lucky winner's character will be chosen to feature in my next Bradley Baker adventure.
I've just finished a book publication project with the year 6 pupils at Brixham C of E Primary. The book has been written, edited and published by the children and is titled "The Mystery Piano!" It has it's very own ISBN and is now available online.
I'm currently working with 3 other schools in Torbay; Westlands Secondary, Galmpton Primary and Cockington Community. All three projects are running to schedule and the children's written work will be published very soon.
More updates to follow... I'll keep you posted.
Best wishes DLJ
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Current projects include 12 schools within the Totnes Learning Community... I've been working with a group of Gifted and Talented students over the past 6 weeks and this will conclude with an awards ceremony at Kevicc on 12th March where one lucky winner's character will be chosen to feature in my next Bradley Baker adventure.
I've just finished a book publication project with the year 6 pupils at Brixham C of E Primary. The book has been written, edited and published by the children and is titled "The Mystery Piano!" It has it's very own ISBN and is now available online.
I'm currently working with 3 other schools in Torbay; Westlands Secondary, Galmpton Primary and Cockington Community. All three projects are running to schedule and the children's written work will be published very soon.
More updates to follow... I'll keep you posted.
Best wishes DLJ
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
February 15, 2013
The word is out...
News of Bradley Baker is spreading like a wild fire throughout Devon... thousands of school chidren have enjoyed showcase presentations in many remote rural locations throughout East and West Devon. In particular... two schools near Winkleigh were so grateful that I had battled through the wind and rain to venture deep into the countryside to introduce my boy hero to audiences that rarely get the opportunity to meet anyone, never mind a real life author!
Dolton and Clinton are two primary schools that affiliate together within the Tarca Federation and are located in the North West of Devon where fields full of sheep and horses make up a patchwork of wonderful countryside. The #Bradmobile arrived fully laiden with props to provide two memorable events for around 80 or so children and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Executive Headteacher for both schools Gina Finch, who welcomed me and the Bradley Baker books with open arms. All the students were extremely enthused and totally inspired... some even wrote their own stories overnight in readiness for my return the following day.
I left West Devon behind and headed East towards the City of Exeter for two more fantastic events. This time it was the turn of Woodwater Academy and St David's C of E Primary School to host my interactive showcase presentations. No one was left disappointed and the shows went down a treat with record book sales following both events. The kids just can't seem to get enough of Bradley and it's so humbling to see so many children's eyes light up when they receive their signed copies.
Between the larger events... during the past few weeks I've also kept myself busy working in the classroom environment leading various creative workshops. Year 6 students from Brixham C of E Primary and Galmpton Primary have enjoyed learning about the process of publishing their own stories and creating characters to appear in the books. It's been great fun to work with such appreciative children and I'm looking forward to seeing the finished books when they go to print.
Gifted and Talented students in the Totnes Learning Community also gathered again for their second character profile workshop at KEVICC in the school library. Just one more workshop to go until we discover who will win the competition to have their character appear in my next adventure book; Bradley Baker and the Gullfather of New York.
As much as I enjoy visiting schools, I'm really looking forward to a well earned break from events during half term... and it will afford me some time to write more words for the fourth Bradley Baker adventure! Then it's back to school visits the following week... so there's plenty going on to keep me busy!
More updates to follow... catch up with you all very soon.
Best wishes DLJ
Dolton and Clinton are two primary schools that affiliate together within the Tarca Federation and are located in the North West of Devon where fields full of sheep and horses make up a patchwork of wonderful countryside. The #Bradmobile arrived fully laiden with props to provide two memorable events for around 80 or so children and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Executive Headteacher for both schools Gina Finch, who welcomed me and the Bradley Baker books with open arms. All the students were extremely enthused and totally inspired... some even wrote their own stories overnight in readiness for my return the following day.
I left West Devon behind and headed East towards the City of Exeter for two more fantastic events. This time it was the turn of Woodwater Academy and St David's C of E Primary School to host my interactive showcase presentations. No one was left disappointed and the shows went down a treat with record book sales following both events. The kids just can't seem to get enough of Bradley and it's so humbling to see so many children's eyes light up when they receive their signed copies.
Between the larger events... during the past few weeks I've also kept myself busy working in the classroom environment leading various creative workshops. Year 6 students from Brixham C of E Primary and Galmpton Primary have enjoyed learning about the process of publishing their own stories and creating characters to appear in the books. It's been great fun to work with such appreciative children and I'm looking forward to seeing the finished books when they go to print.
Gifted and Talented students in the Totnes Learning Community also gathered again for their second character profile workshop at KEVICC in the school library. Just one more workshop to go until we discover who will win the competition to have their character appear in my next adventure book; Bradley Baker and the Gullfather of New York.
As much as I enjoy visiting schools, I'm really looking forward to a well earned break from events during half term... and it will afford me some time to write more words for the fourth Bradley Baker adventure! Then it's back to school visits the following week... so there's plenty going on to keep me busy!
More updates to follow... catch up with you all very soon.
Best wishes DLJ
February 3, 2013
Totnes Learning Community visits a great success!
It has been a delightful experience working with the headteachers and pupils at all the schools across the Totnes Learning Community. My author visits have been a resounding success... enthusing children about reading more books and writing stories along the way! Over the past 3 weeks I have visited a total of twelve schools to showcase the Bradley Baker books to just over 3000 children.
This week will see the first of a series of literacy workshops at King Edward VI Community College in Totnes. I will be working with a select group of Gifted and Talented children from all twelve schools in the Totnes Learning Community to develop character profiles... and one lucky student will have their creation featured in my fourth adventure book; Bradley Baker and the Gullfather of New York!
Look out for more updates in the next few weeks... where I will also be venturing into some Exeter schools too! World Book Week is already fully booked to the brim with school visits and then over the coming months, the #Bradmobile will be visiting even more schools in Devon, Dorset and I'm really looking forward to a return to Gloucestershire after the Easter break.
On a slightly different note... I received some fantastic news this week. Bradley Baker will be going state-side!!! We're off to New York at last... a journey across the pond will take place later this year and I'll be taking part in a series of events to promote the new boy hero. I can confirm that the first event will take place in New Jersey at the Roseland Library, where I have been invited to speak and sign copies of my books. I've received many messages from well-wishes on facebook about this exciting opportunity and even requests to get the movie rights secured, whilst I'm over there... now wouldn't that be nice?!!!
I've got so much more to tell you but I'll have to leave it all for another blogspot, as I have to crack on with writing BB's fourth adventure (so many ideas in my head - got to get them down on the page before I lose them... you know what it's like!!!).
So that's all for now folks... and hope to catch up with you all very soon.
Best wishes, DLJ
This week will see the first of a series of literacy workshops at King Edward VI Community College in Totnes. I will be working with a select group of Gifted and Talented children from all twelve schools in the Totnes Learning Community to develop character profiles... and one lucky student will have their creation featured in my fourth adventure book; Bradley Baker and the Gullfather of New York!
Look out for more updates in the next few weeks... where I will also be venturing into some Exeter schools too! World Book Week is already fully booked to the brim with school visits and then over the coming months, the #Bradmobile will be visiting even more schools in Devon, Dorset and I'm really looking forward to a return to Gloucestershire after the Easter break.
On a slightly different note... I received some fantastic news this week. Bradley Baker will be going state-side!!! We're off to New York at last... a journey across the pond will take place later this year and I'll be taking part in a series of events to promote the new boy hero. I can confirm that the first event will take place in New Jersey at the Roseland Library, where I have been invited to speak and sign copies of my books. I've received many messages from well-wishes on facebook about this exciting opportunity and even requests to get the movie rights secured, whilst I'm over there... now wouldn't that be nice?!!!
I've got so much more to tell you but I'll have to leave it all for another blogspot, as I have to crack on with writing BB's fourth adventure (so many ideas in my head - got to get them down on the page before I lose them... you know what it's like!!!).
So that's all for now folks... and hope to catch up with you all very soon.
Best wishes, DLJ
January 19, 2013
And it's lift-off... what a great start to 2013!
2013 is finally here and its been a great start to what's looking like a very busy year ahead for me and my Bradley Baker book series. School visits seem to be the main focus for me with over forty events booked in the diary so far... festivals and book store events are also beginning to appear on the calendar with lots more exciting literacy projects being planned over the next few months too!
Let's not forget that there's also a fourth BB book on the horizon... "Bradley Baker and the Gullfather of New York" will be published in paperback during the summer. I'm currently writing the manuscript and the storyline is proving to be very exciting indeed. I'm really loving the way the main plot is twisting in a way I never expected it to... as the new boy hero and his friends embark on a brand new adventure down the plughole. This time New York City plays host to an unusual threat and a very thrilling encounter between Bradley Baker and the book's new antagonist - The Gullfather!
Back to my author visits... I've already started my first school literacy project of 2013 and five events at schools this week have proved to be very rewarding indeed. The #Bradmobile has been making its way along some very narrow country lanes to visit a quaint collection of local village schools in South East Devon. Throughout the last week, enthusiastic young audiences have welcomed my Bradley Baker showcase presentations at Landscove, Berry Pomeroy, Stoke Gabriel, Diptford and South Brent primary schools. These are the first five of twelve schools taking part in a literacy project organised by myself in conjunction with the headteachers representing the Totnes Learning Community. A series of literacy workshops will follow my author visits and the project will conclude with an awards ceremony to celebrate the Gifted & Talented Pupils achievements throughout the Totnes G&T Literacy Project.
More updates will follow soon and some pics too... my blogger page is not allowing me to add any photos at the moment so I'll get these uploaded asap!
Catch up soon folks... oh, and a very happy new year to you all!
All best DLJ
Let's not forget that there's also a fourth BB book on the horizon... "Bradley Baker and the Gullfather of New York" will be published in paperback during the summer. I'm currently writing the manuscript and the storyline is proving to be very exciting indeed. I'm really loving the way the main plot is twisting in a way I never expected it to... as the new boy hero and his friends embark on a brand new adventure down the plughole. This time New York City plays host to an unusual threat and a very thrilling encounter between Bradley Baker and the book's new antagonist - The Gullfather!
Back to my author visits... I've already started my first school literacy project of 2013 and five events at schools this week have proved to be very rewarding indeed. The #Bradmobile has been making its way along some very narrow country lanes to visit a quaint collection of local village schools in South East Devon. Throughout the last week, enthusiastic young audiences have welcomed my Bradley Baker showcase presentations at Landscove, Berry Pomeroy, Stoke Gabriel, Diptford and South Brent primary schools. These are the first five of twelve schools taking part in a literacy project organised by myself in conjunction with the headteachers representing the Totnes Learning Community. A series of literacy workshops will follow my author visits and the project will conclude with an awards ceremony to celebrate the Gifted & Talented Pupils achievements throughout the Totnes G&T Literacy Project.
More updates will follow soon and some pics too... my blogger page is not allowing me to add any photos at the moment so I'll get these uploaded asap!
Catch up soon folks... oh, and a very happy new year to you all!
All best DLJ
And it's "lift-off"... what a great start to 2013!
2013 is finally here and its been a great start to what's looking like a very busy year ahead for me and my Bradley Baker book series. School visits seem to be the main focus for me with over forty events booked in the diary so far... festivals and book store events are also beginning to appear on the calendar with lot's more exciting literacy projects being planned over the next few months too!
Let's not forget that there's also a fourth BB book on the horizon... "Bradley Baker and the Gullfather of New York" will be published in paperback during the summer. I'm currently writing the manuscript and the storyline is proving to be very exciting indeed. I'm really loving the way the main plot is twisting in a way I never expected it to... as the new boy hero and his friends embark on a brand new adventure down the plughole. This time New York City plays host to an unusual threat and a very thrilling encounter between Bradley Baker and the book's new antagonist - The Gullfather!
Back to my author visits... I have started the first school literacy project already and five events at schools this week have proven to be very rewarding. The #Bradmobile has been making its way along the narrow country lanes to visit a series of quaint local village schools in Devon. Throughout the last week, enthusiastic young audiences have welcomed my Bradley Baker showcase presentations at Landscove, Berry Pomeroy, Stoke Gabriel, Diptford and South Brent primary schools. These are the first five of twelve schools taking part in a literacy project organised by myself in conjunction with the headteachers representing the Totnes Learning Community. A series of literacy workshops will follow my author visits and the project will conclude with an awards ceremony to celebrate the Gifted & Talented Pupils achievements throughout the Totnes G&T Literacy Project.
More updates will follow soon and some pics too... my blogger page is not allowing me to add any photos at the moment so I'll get these uploaded asap!
Catch up soon folks... oh, and a very happy new year to you all!
All best DLJ
Let's not forget that there's also a fourth BB book on the horizon... "Bradley Baker and the Gullfather of New York" will be published in paperback during the summer. I'm currently writing the manuscript and the storyline is proving to be very exciting indeed. I'm really loving the way the main plot is twisting in a way I never expected it to... as the new boy hero and his friends embark on a brand new adventure down the plughole. This time New York City plays host to an unusual threat and a very thrilling encounter between Bradley Baker and the book's new antagonist - The Gullfather!
Back to my author visits... I have started the first school literacy project already and five events at schools this week have proven to be very rewarding. The #Bradmobile has been making its way along the narrow country lanes to visit a series of quaint local village schools in Devon. Throughout the last week, enthusiastic young audiences have welcomed my Bradley Baker showcase presentations at Landscove, Berry Pomeroy, Stoke Gabriel, Diptford and South Brent primary schools. These are the first five of twelve schools taking part in a literacy project organised by myself in conjunction with the headteachers representing the Totnes Learning Community. A series of literacy workshops will follow my author visits and the project will conclude with an awards ceremony to celebrate the Gifted & Talented Pupils achievements throughout the Totnes G&T Literacy Project.
More updates will follow soon and some pics too... my blogger page is not allowing me to add any photos at the moment so I'll get these uploaded asap!
Catch up soon folks... oh, and a very happy new year to you all!
All best DLJ
December 16, 2012
A break for Christmas and a chance to reflect...
Wow... what a year! With Christmas around the corner and a New Year to look forward to, I'd like to take a few minutes to reflect on a very eventful 2012.
I finally completed the Pathylon trilogy for my Bradley Baker series of children's adventure books and sales of all three titles have surpassed our expectations.
And I am really pleased to be working on a fourth BB adventure, which will be published during the summer of 2013.
It's been a busy year with lots of fabulous school visits and repeat visits to showcase my Bradley Baker books and help to inspire many thousands of children that I've been privileged to meet. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all the teachers and students for allowing me to present at the following schools (listed in no particular order); Combe Pafford, St Margarets, Cockington, Torre, Ilsham, Westlands, Galmpton, Brixham, Eden Park, Redhills, Sidmouth, Whipton Barton, Bowhill, Ellacombe, White Rock, Canada Hill, Teignmouth, Our Lady and St Patricks, Sherwell Valley, Kings Ash, Shiphay, Harbertonford and Torbay.
I'm also really proud to be associated with some tremendous organisations linked to the welfare of children in my home county of Devon. My duites included judging competition entries for short stories with the vInpired Team and helping to honour young writers in Torbay.
I'm also honoured to have been appointed Vice Chancellor for the Children's University in Torbay and I look forward to continue my work with the area representative Emma Gorman to advocate the extra-curricular activities during 2013.
It is also a privilege to be associated with ‘Families for Children’ both as a patron and an advocate. My day to day activities allow me to network and share information about the charity’s main task, which is to find and support adoptive families for children who need them.
‘Families for Children’ is a Voluntary Adoption Agency that believes the best place for children to grow up is within their family of origin. Where this is not possible, they endeavour to find adoptive families for children who need them and place a high value on offering these children and families on-going support. They recognise the diverse society in which we all live and seek to meet the complex needs of children, whilst valuing and respecting their culture, identity and personal history.
Details about the charity and its logo will also be featured at the front of all future print runs of the Bradley Baker series of books.
There is so much to reflect upon... and most of which is contained in this blog thread. For now I'll leave you with my favourite photo of the year; this one was taken at Crealy Adventure Park and pictures Callum and his oldest brother (two lovely young lads who have benefited from the love and support provided by their adoptive parents and the team at 'Families for Children').
Have a great Christmas everyone... and thanks for following me and my blogspot during 2012. There's already lots of events and activities booked in my diary for 2013 so I hope you all continue to follow my exploits next year. I sincerely hope you and your families have a lovely time over the festive period and I wish you a very happy New Year... where ever you are this wonderful world of ours! Catch up again in 2013!Regards DLJ
I finally completed the Pathylon trilogy for my Bradley Baker series of children's adventure books and sales of all three titles have surpassed our expectations.
And I am really pleased to be working on a fourth BB adventure, which will be published during the summer of 2013.
It's been a busy year with lots of fabulous school visits and repeat visits to showcase my Bradley Baker books and help to inspire many thousands of children that I've been privileged to meet. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all the teachers and students for allowing me to present at the following schools (listed in no particular order); Combe Pafford, St Margarets, Cockington, Torre, Ilsham, Westlands, Galmpton, Brixham, Eden Park, Redhills, Sidmouth, Whipton Barton, Bowhill, Ellacombe, White Rock, Canada Hill, Teignmouth, Our Lady and St Patricks, Sherwell Valley, Kings Ash, Shiphay, Harbertonford and Torbay.
I'm also really proud to be associated with some tremendous organisations linked to the welfare of children in my home county of Devon. My duites included judging competition entries for short stories with the vInpired Team and helping to honour young writers in Torbay.
I'm also honoured to have been appointed Vice Chancellor for the Children's University in Torbay and I look forward to continue my work with the area representative Emma Gorman to advocate the extra-curricular activities during 2013.
It is also a privilege to be associated with ‘Families for Children’ both as a patron and an advocate. My day to day activities allow me to network and share information about the charity’s main task, which is to find and support adoptive families for children who need them.
‘Families for Children’ is a Voluntary Adoption Agency that believes the best place for children to grow up is within their family of origin. Where this is not possible, they endeavour to find adoptive families for children who need them and place a high value on offering these children and families on-going support. They recognise the diverse society in which we all live and seek to meet the complex needs of children, whilst valuing and respecting their culture, identity and personal history.Details about the charity and its logo will also be featured at the front of all future print runs of the Bradley Baker series of books.
There is so much to reflect upon... and most of which is contained in this blog thread. For now I'll leave you with my favourite photo of the year; this one was taken at Crealy Adventure Park and pictures Callum and his oldest brother (two lovely young lads who have benefited from the love and support provided by their adoptive parents and the team at 'Families for Children').
Have a great Christmas everyone... and thanks for following me and my blogspot during 2012. There's already lots of events and activities booked in my diary for 2013 so I hope you all continue to follow my exploits next year. I sincerely hope you and your families have a lovely time over the festive period and I wish you a very happy New Year... where ever you are this wonderful world of ours! Catch up again in 2013!Regards DLJ
December 9, 2012
Sidmouth Success and another great interview!
What an absolutely wonderful visit to beautiful Sidmouth in Devon... the children and teachers at Sidmouth C of E Primary provided a fabulous welcome during my author visit to their school. The amazing adventures of Bradley Baker were showcased... leaving an audience of 360 students totally enthused and inspired. Whilst loading the #Bradmobile and preparing to leave the school, one of the teachers quickly ushered me back inside and into her classroom to present me with a group of 20+ children sat at their desks in free play time... and guess what??? They were avidly writing away and devising their own stories IN THEIR OWN TIME!!!
I asked the children why they were sat writing... they all answered in an excited and unified voice; "YOU'VE JUST INSPIRED US, DAVID!"
Wow... what a brilliant feeling... job done I'd say!
oooOooo
I also enjoyed an interview with Suzan Collins this week, as a guest author on her latest blog... if you missed it on Facebook, here it is again, please enjoy!
Interview with David Lawrence Jones
Welcome David…
Can you tell me a little about yourself?
I was born in a mining village called Ravenfield near Rotherham in South Yorkshire.
I started to pen Bradley’s adventures following the 2000 millennium celebrations and after a number of rewrites I completed the first one in 2001, which was then published in 2009. In 2011, the second book in the series was published, which is called ‘The Amulet of Silvermoor’ and takes Bradley back down the plughole on another amazing adventure (this time through a disused coal mine), which eventually leads him back into Pathylon. I have just finished writing book three in the series, which is now published and titled ‘The Pyramids of Blood’.
I am very proud of the Bradley Baker adventure series and there are scenes in the books that describe landmarks about Devon and my own birth place in Yorkshire. Silvermoor, the abandoned coal mine in the second book is actually the colliery where my father and I both worked… “Silverwood”. Also the main character in the series Bradley lives in a fictional village called Ravenswood, which is based on my own childhood village of “Ravenfield”.
I now reside in Torquay, Devon with my wife and two youngest children Benjamin and Harriette. My older children (Lindsey and Samuel) still live in and around Ravenfield. Samuel has secured a placement at Sunderland University and Lindsey has now forged a career in retail.
What was the first story you wrote?
The Bradley Baker series was originally planned as a one off story and was titled “The Amazing Adventures of Bradley Baker – Pathylon”… the first book has since been renamed and I am currently writing the fourth book in the series.
Were you inspired by someone or something?
As a youngster, I was a reluctant reader but I discover books by Enid Blyton called the ‘Secret Seven’ and read the series back-to-back… this is what inspired me most to write adventure stories for children.
What do you like about writing a story?
To have so many children enthused & inspired about my books and witness their hunger for reading increase is absolutely brilliant! And as long as my Bradley Baker adventure books continue to inspire children to read… I’ll keep on writing!”
Can you tell us about your newest book?
“Bradley Baker and the Pyramids of Blood”… The boy hero returns in another exciting adventure… this time, Bradley must confront a dear friend who holds the key to release him from the effects of the kratennuim that is transforming his body into an evil creature. We meet some new characters in the third adventure, including “The Shadow Druid” and “The Witch of Rekab”. Bradley is joined again by his two friends from Sandmouth… Musgrove and Sereny, who follow their troubled friend back into Pathylon and try to help him reverse his imminent transformation into a Werebeast. The three intrepid adventurers will also be united with an American boy called Jefferson Crabtree from New York and together they all face more daunting tasks, as they fight new strains of evil that threaten the arcane world…
How did you come up with the story?
When I was 8 years old, my parents moved across the road from number 127 to number 152 Braithwell Road (what’s the significance of this I hear you ask???). Well… 127 had three bedrooms and 152 only had two and this is where my thirst for storytelling and writing really began!
You see… the problem was, I had an older brother called Philip (not a problem really… it was more of an uncomfortable situation back then because when the we lived at 127 we had our own bedrooms… when we moved across the road we had to share one… gulp!)
Anyhow, when bedtime arrived, Philip would pester me to make up stories before we went to sleep. The children’s books I have since written and had published follow the exploits of a young Bradley Baker and his time in the parallel world of Pathylon. The idea for Bradley Baker’s character and the plots were extracted from original stories I wrote as a child and narrated to my brother.
What genre best fits for the book?
Children’s adventure/fantasy – fiction… aged 7 to 14 yrs
Are you working on something new at the moment?
I am currently writing book four… called “Bradley Baker and the Gullfather of New York” which see the main protagonist mature into a truly memorable character.”
Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?
Always keep a note pad handy to jot down any ideas that come into your head. Keep believing in your idea… no matter how many people say no to you and never give up on your dream!
What is your writing routine?
It’s fairly well organised… I tend to utilise my creative time to best effect. I write for hours when the creative bug bites and I have the perfect place to work. My writing shack (as I call it) is a small brick built building raised up onto a spacious decked area with the most delightful stone steps leading through trees and a vertical cliffside. I feel like I’m travelling into a parallel world when I go to work and this inspires me to be even more creative.
Do you have an editing process?
This is a two-way thing. I pen the manuscript and carry out the usual spell checks and grammatical corrections utilising the computer’s review tools. But the real editing begins when I start to dissect the plotlines and condense the descriptive elements of the stories.
What do you enjoy the most/least about writing?
I enjoy the way my characters take over when I’m writing and lead me to places and plotlines that I hadn’t planned. I don’t have a least… I love what I do!
How important is it for you to share your writing?
Very important… I love to meet young readers, to introduce them to the characters I have created and to champion the delights and rewards of reading. Literacy has never been a more important issue and I try to create the books that children love to read.
Where can people go to read your work?
The books are available worldwide online. Most Waterstones stock the book within the UK… and if they have sold out, they can order the books within days. Many independent bookstores now hold stock and some local libraries have the books too.
Where can people find you on the internet?
There are a number of sites online where me and my books can be found. The sites I tend to recommend include my official author site; www.bradley-baker.com … I also offer links to my Facebook page; www.facebook.com/thebradleybaker and to connect with me on twitter; @DavLawJones
Is there anything else you would like to share with your readers?
I guess the best place to go is the official website to find out more information; http://www.bradley-baker.com
Thank you David x
I asked the children why they were sat writing... they all answered in an excited and unified voice; "YOU'VE JUST INSPIRED US, DAVID!"
Wow... what a brilliant feeling... job done I'd say!
oooOooo
I also enjoyed an interview with Suzan Collins this week, as a guest author on her latest blog... if you missed it on Facebook, here it is again, please enjoy!
Interview with David Lawrence Jones
Welcome David…
Can you tell me a little about yourself?
I was born in a mining village called Ravenfield near Rotherham in South Yorkshire.
I started to pen Bradley’s adventures following the 2000 millennium celebrations and after a number of rewrites I completed the first one in 2001, which was then published in 2009. In 2011, the second book in the series was published, which is called ‘The Amulet of Silvermoor’ and takes Bradley back down the plughole on another amazing adventure (this time through a disused coal mine), which eventually leads him back into Pathylon. I have just finished writing book three in the series, which is now published and titled ‘The Pyramids of Blood’.
I am very proud of the Bradley Baker adventure series and there are scenes in the books that describe landmarks about Devon and my own birth place in Yorkshire. Silvermoor, the abandoned coal mine in the second book is actually the colliery where my father and I both worked… “Silverwood”. Also the main character in the series Bradley lives in a fictional village called Ravenswood, which is based on my own childhood village of “Ravenfield”.
I now reside in Torquay, Devon with my wife and two youngest children Benjamin and Harriette. My older children (Lindsey and Samuel) still live in and around Ravenfield. Samuel has secured a placement at Sunderland University and Lindsey has now forged a career in retail.
What was the first story you wrote?
The Bradley Baker series was originally planned as a one off story and was titled “The Amazing Adventures of Bradley Baker – Pathylon”… the first book has since been renamed and I am currently writing the fourth book in the series.
Were you inspired by someone or something?
As a youngster, I was a reluctant reader but I discover books by Enid Blyton called the ‘Secret Seven’ and read the series back-to-back… this is what inspired me most to write adventure stories for children.
What do you like about writing a story?
To have so many children enthused & inspired about my books and witness their hunger for reading increase is absolutely brilliant! And as long as my Bradley Baker adventure books continue to inspire children to read… I’ll keep on writing!”
Can you tell us about your newest book?
“Bradley Baker and the Pyramids of Blood”… The boy hero returns in another exciting adventure… this time, Bradley must confront a dear friend who holds the key to release him from the effects of the kratennuim that is transforming his body into an evil creature. We meet some new characters in the third adventure, including “The Shadow Druid” and “The Witch of Rekab”. Bradley is joined again by his two friends from Sandmouth… Musgrove and Sereny, who follow their troubled friend back into Pathylon and try to help him reverse his imminent transformation into a Werebeast. The three intrepid adventurers will also be united with an American boy called Jefferson Crabtree from New York and together they all face more daunting tasks, as they fight new strains of evil that threaten the arcane world…
How did you come up with the story?
When I was 8 years old, my parents moved across the road from number 127 to number 152 Braithwell Road (what’s the significance of this I hear you ask???). Well… 127 had three bedrooms and 152 only had two and this is where my thirst for storytelling and writing really began!
You see… the problem was, I had an older brother called Philip (not a problem really… it was more of an uncomfortable situation back then because when the we lived at 127 we had our own bedrooms… when we moved across the road we had to share one… gulp!)
Anyhow, when bedtime arrived, Philip would pester me to make up stories before we went to sleep. The children’s books I have since written and had published follow the exploits of a young Bradley Baker and his time in the parallel world of Pathylon. The idea for Bradley Baker’s character and the plots were extracted from original stories I wrote as a child and narrated to my brother.
What genre best fits for the book?
Children’s adventure/fantasy – fiction… aged 7 to 14 yrs
Are you working on something new at the moment?
I am currently writing book four… called “Bradley Baker and the Gullfather of New York” which see the main protagonist mature into a truly memorable character.”
Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?
Always keep a note pad handy to jot down any ideas that come into your head. Keep believing in your idea… no matter how many people say no to you and never give up on your dream!
What is your writing routine?
It’s fairly well organised… I tend to utilise my creative time to best effect. I write for hours when the creative bug bites and I have the perfect place to work. My writing shack (as I call it) is a small brick built building raised up onto a spacious decked area with the most delightful stone steps leading through trees and a vertical cliffside. I feel like I’m travelling into a parallel world when I go to work and this inspires me to be even more creative.
Do you have an editing process?
This is a two-way thing. I pen the manuscript and carry out the usual spell checks and grammatical corrections utilising the computer’s review tools. But the real editing begins when I start to dissect the plotlines and condense the descriptive elements of the stories.
What do you enjoy the most/least about writing?
I enjoy the way my characters take over when I’m writing and lead me to places and plotlines that I hadn’t planned. I don’t have a least… I love what I do!
How important is it for you to share your writing?
Very important… I love to meet young readers, to introduce them to the characters I have created and to champion the delights and rewards of reading. Literacy has never been a more important issue and I try to create the books that children love to read.
Where can people go to read your work?
The books are available worldwide online. Most Waterstones stock the book within the UK… and if they have sold out, they can order the books within days. Many independent bookstores now hold stock and some local libraries have the books too.
Where can people find you on the internet?
There are a number of sites online where me and my books can be found. The sites I tend to recommend include my official author site; www.bradley-baker.com … I also offer links to my Facebook page; www.facebook.com/thebradleybaker and to connect with me on twitter; @DavLawJones
Is there anything else you would like to share with your readers?
I guess the best place to go is the official website to find out more information; http://www.bradley-baker.com
Thank you David x
November 25, 2012
Breaking records in Torbay... during four fantastic school visits!
Another busy few weeks has been spent visiting even more fantastic primary schools in and around Torbay... it's been really great to spend so much time closer to home lately! Especially with my latest publication being in such huge demand locally... it's been a pleasure introducing "Bradley Baker and the Pyramids of Blood" to a new legion of enthused fans in Devon.
A rapturous welcome awaited me from lots of excited children at Brixham C of E Primary. My return visit followed a very successful author presentation at the school before the summer break and I was delighted to introduce the third Bradley Baker adventure to the enthused students, who snapped the new book up during another popular signing event. I also had the opportunity to work with the year 6 children and we enjoyed an interactive character development workshop in the classroom. A big thank you to the students teacher Jason Keenan for inviting me into his class to work with the children.
Below are just a few pictures taken of the posters produced and displayed by the children at Brixham... it was such a humbling experience to see these covering the doors and windows when I arrived at the school. Brilliant stuff!!!
Two more very successful presentations were held at Cockington Community Primary and St. Margaret's Academy in Torquay this week. Big thank you to literacy co-ordinators Sharon Carter and Catherine Wooldridge for inviting me to their schools. Again many enthused students were inspired by the Bradley Baker book presentations at both schools, with the events being showcased in the respective school halls. Signing sessions followed at each event and both produced record amounts of books sold at a single school event during this current academic year.
This week was topped with a visit to Kings Ash Academy in Paignton. Emma Prince arranged for me to present to the whole school and another 400 students were inspired by the Bradley Baker showcase. There were lots of volunteers from the audience, who took part in the show and unbeknown to me I actually picked three children from the same family to play some of the book's characters in the show... Bizzare!!!
Finally found some time between school visits to work on the plotlines and characters for the fourth book in the Bradley Baker series. I'm really excited about this latest adventure and can't wait to start writing the manuscript! That's all for now, catch up soon with more updates about the new book and details of events before Christmas.... I've also got some exciting news to share about a literary project in Totnes during early 2013, so watch this space! Regards DLJ 
A rapturous welcome awaited me from lots of excited children at Brixham C of E Primary. My return visit followed a very successful author presentation at the school before the summer break and I was delighted to introduce the third Bradley Baker adventure to the enthused students, who snapped the new book up during another popular signing event. I also had the opportunity to work with the year 6 children and we enjoyed an interactive character development workshop in the classroom. A big thank you to the students teacher Jason Keenan for inviting me into his class to work with the children.
Below are just a few pictures taken of the posters produced and displayed by the children at Brixham... it was such a humbling experience to see these covering the doors and windows when I arrived at the school. Brilliant stuff!!!
Two more very successful presentations were held at Cockington Community Primary and St. Margaret's Academy in Torquay this week. Big thank you to literacy co-ordinators Sharon Carter and Catherine Wooldridge for inviting me to their schools. Again many enthused students were inspired by the Bradley Baker book presentations at both schools, with the events being showcased in the respective school halls. Signing sessions followed at each event and both produced record amounts of books sold at a single school event during this current academic year.
This week was topped with a visit to Kings Ash Academy in Paignton. Emma Prince arranged for me to present to the whole school and another 400 students were inspired by the Bradley Baker showcase. There were lots of volunteers from the audience, who took part in the show and unbeknown to me I actually picked three children from the same family to play some of the book's characters in the show... Bizzare!!!
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Finally found some time between school visits to work on the plotlines and characters for the fourth book in the Bradley Baker series. I'm really excited about this latest adventure and can't wait to start writing the manuscript! That's all for now, catch up soon with more updates about the new book and details of events before Christmas.... I've also got some exciting news to share about a literary project in Totnes during early 2013, so watch this space! Regards DLJ
November 4, 2012
The three C's ...Canada, Crealy and CU
The past few weeks have been dominated by three C's...
The first "C"... a visit to Canada Hill Primary School in Newton Abbot resulted in the biggest book signing event I have experienced to date at any school. Parents, teachers and children were queuing out of the door... it was a good job the rain held off! This followed a storytelling showcase to the students in the school hall and everyone was inspired when the event was over. I've never seen so many children enthused about the Bradley Baker series. What a fantastic time and special thanks to Claire Pearce for organising such a fabulous event. Before the book signing session I also spent some time with the Yr 5 & 6 children in the classroom where we worked on some character profiles... this resulted in some very imaginative creatures being created (pictures to follow).
The second "C"... refers to the CU (Children's University) where I attended Shiphay Learning Academy to accept my invitation to be the Vice Chancellor for Torbay. What an honour to be entrusted with the responsibility to be the ambassador for such a worthy cause.
Pic 1. Collecting my CU Passport at Shiphay Learning Academy The third "C"... a fantastic day and evening at Crealy Adventure Park in Devon raising awareness for Families for Children Adoption Agency. The day began with a storytelling presentation in the animal barn at noon followed by a second showcase at 3pm. Both presentations went down a storm with the audience and there wasn't an empty chair in the arena. The showcases were followed by two busy book signing sessions, which helped to raise some funds for the charity.
Here are a few pics from the event;
Pic 2. A great display of Bradley Baker books in the Crealy Gift Shop
Pic 3. Callum and his brother in the VIP suite at Crealy Adventure Park... this was taken just after they had pushed the button to set off the amazing firework display with "Families for Children" Patron, Caroline Quentin
Pic 4. Jasper (aka Bradley Baker) getting ready to journey down the plughole during the first showcase... flashing green lights and smoke filled the stage!
Pic 5. Two more volunteers from the audience take on the roles of two main characters in the Bradley Baker books... Muzzy Chilcott and Sereny Ugbrooke. Here we see them discovering the sacred gold coin that magically transports the boy hero down the plughole! I also took the opportunity to visit the pupils at Torbay School in Paignton. We had a fantastic time acting out some scenes from the Bradley Baker books and the boys really enjoyed the event. I'd like to thank Deputy Head Helen Prince for arranging my visit. Everyone agreed how much the children were inspired by my visit to the school and as I was leaving one little boy said, "When I'm older I want to be an author like you!" Priceless and well worth all the effort. I'd like to finish this week's blogspot with some breaking news... I can reveal the cover for my next Bradley Baker book. The fourth in the series will be called "Bradley Baker and the Gullfather of New York"... more about the storyline over the next few months. The new book will be published during the Summer 2013. Here is the cover...
It has been a fantastic couple of weeks and I'll catch up with you again soon with more updates on the Amazing Adventures of Bradley Baker.Best wishes DLJ 
The first "C"... a visit to Canada Hill Primary School in Newton Abbot resulted in the biggest book signing event I have experienced to date at any school. Parents, teachers and children were queuing out of the door... it was a good job the rain held off! This followed a storytelling showcase to the students in the school hall and everyone was inspired when the event was over. I've never seen so many children enthused about the Bradley Baker series. What a fantastic time and special thanks to Claire Pearce for organising such a fabulous event. Before the book signing session I also spent some time with the Yr 5 & 6 children in the classroom where we worked on some character profiles... this resulted in some very imaginative creatures being created (pictures to follow).
The second "C"... refers to the CU (Children's University) where I attended Shiphay Learning Academy to accept my invitation to be the Vice Chancellor for Torbay. What an honour to be entrusted with the responsibility to be the ambassador for such a worthy cause.
Pic 1. Collecting my CU Passport at Shiphay Learning Academy The third "C"... a fantastic day and evening at Crealy Adventure Park in Devon raising awareness for Families for Children Adoption Agency. The day began with a storytelling presentation in the animal barn at noon followed by a second showcase at 3pm. Both presentations went down a storm with the audience and there wasn't an empty chair in the arena. The showcases were followed by two busy book signing sessions, which helped to raise some funds for the charity. Here are a few pics from the event;
Pic 2. A great display of Bradley Baker books in the Crealy Gift Shop
Pic 3. Callum and his brother in the VIP suite at Crealy Adventure Park... this was taken just after they had pushed the button to set off the amazing firework display with "Families for Children" Patron, Caroline Quentin 
Pic 4. Jasper (aka Bradley Baker) getting ready to journey down the plughole during the first showcase... flashing green lights and smoke filled the stage!
Pic 5. Two more volunteers from the audience take on the roles of two main characters in the Bradley Baker books... Muzzy Chilcott and Sereny Ugbrooke. Here we see them discovering the sacred gold coin that magically transports the boy hero down the plughole! I also took the opportunity to visit the pupils at Torbay School in Paignton. We had a fantastic time acting out some scenes from the Bradley Baker books and the boys really enjoyed the event. I'd like to thank Deputy Head Helen Prince for arranging my visit. Everyone agreed how much the children were inspired by my visit to the school and as I was leaving one little boy said, "When I'm older I want to be an author like you!" Priceless and well worth all the effort. I'd like to finish this week's blogspot with some breaking news... I can reveal the cover for my next Bradley Baker book. The fourth in the series will be called "Bradley Baker and the Gullfather of New York"... more about the storyline over the next few months. The new book will be published during the Summer 2013. Here is the cover...
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It has been a fantastic couple of weeks and I'll catch up with you again soon with more updates on the Amazing Adventures of Bradley Baker.Best wishes DLJ
