The author Anthony McGowan was invited by the Opus Book Awards students to visit the school and talk to the about his novel ‘I Am the Minotaur’ which is one of the 12 books the group are reading this year. We were joined by Opus Book Award students from Co-op Academy Priesthorpe.

Anthony read an exciting extract from the novel and told us how he was inspired to write this scene based on a real life experience after having had his bike stolen.

Students were given plenty of time to ask questions about ‘I Am the Minotaur’, along with his other novels and general questions about writing and publishing. 

Later in the morning we were joined by some First Story students for a creative writing workshop, before which Anthony gave a very practical demonstration, using some students, of the 5 Stages of the Freytags Pyramid, how the action rises and falls within a story. He gave everyone some tips on how to start a story and hold the readers interest. Students were given the opportunity to read out their work at the end of the workshop.

Anthony took time to speak to students on a one to one basis, sign autographs and take pictures. The students had a great time meeting and talking to him and there’s been many positive comments about his visit.  

If you are interested in reading one of Anthony’s novels please come to the library and speak to Mrs Blashill.