100 teachers gathered at University Centre Shrewsbury on 14 November to mark the launch of the Bookfest project, Schools’ Week 2019, by way of attending a CPD/Conference to collect knowledge, ideas and support in order to develop their own creative writing teaching practice.

Keynote speaker Julia Eccleshare opened the conference by covering the following areas for discussion:  The books today’s writers are writing and why and giving a brief introduction commentating on the current scene in children’s books – what is on offer and some of the reasons why.  She moved on to offer her observations on the common starting points for creative writing and the common themes that work.  Julia also offered insights on training to be a writer, how to connect with an author and what authors say about writing that can inspire and nurture creativity in readers. She talked of finding insights into why authors write the stories that they do.  Julia commented that connecting with your own story as being the surest way of writing your own fiction – the importance of personal narrative.

Delegates then moved to attend one of the four morning workshops:

1. PHIL FERGUSON – Memoir Writing
2. MAZ EVANS – Story Stew®
3. ROB SMITH – The Literacy Shed – Enhancing English Through Film
4. CHRISTOPHER EDGE – Every Writer is a Reader, Every Reader is a Writer

The Conference then gathered all together again to listen to award-winning author, Piers Torday, talk about his experiences of becoming a writer and the influences that have shape his work and make it so impactful for readers, parents and teachers.

After lunch, delegates again moved to attend one of the four workshops as listed above – this system offered delegates the opportunity to pick and choose from the programme to suit their needs whilst maximising the opportunity to discover new and original ideas for developing their creative writing skills.  When the conference gathered together again afterwards, Bookfest explained the format and timeline for the Schools’ Week 2019 project – the first step in the project being this Conference.

Piers Torday and local primary school teacher, Simone Goward, then shared their very personal experiences of author visits from their own perspectives.  Seemingly minor, but important, suggestions such as making sure the school office was aware of the visit and making sure the children know what the author looks like before he/she arrives!

The Conference drew to a reluctant close as the workshop leaders and key note speakers came together to share their collective thoughts on the day and the issues that have been raised.  There was plenty of passionate, positive and valuable feedback and discussion from the audience which suggests that there was real engagement and serious impact being made on all involved.

Some feedback comments from delegates included:

A lovely day!  They keynote people were interesting and obviously knowledgeable.

A really inspiring day, thanks.

Thank you to everyone at Bookfest for driving on and developing the Bookfest year on year.  Superb idea for the Creative Writing Competition.

We have found the whole Bookfest project extremely well planned and reactive to the needs of schools.

Wish I could have done ALL the workshops!

In particular Maz Evans was great in the workshop and Piers Torday keynotes were outstanding.

Absolutely fantastic day – fantastic speakers, loads to listen to, very fun and engaging.

Thank you for many brilliant ideas for me to take away to further enhance my teaching style.

My heartfelt thanks to all who organised and attended @Shrewsbookfest today. A wonderful day exchanging ideas and celebrating creativity. A joy to be involved.  Maz Evans, author, workshop leader – via Twitter

@Shrewsbookfest organise the very best events. I can’t believe how lucky we are to get a conference of this calibre on our doorstep. – via Twitter

Such a privilege to be part of this @Shrewsbookfest conference today and hear inspirational keynote speeches.  Christopher Edge, author, workshop leader – via Twitter

Thank you @Shrewsbookfest for another awesome conference, including workshops and talks from the immensely talented @edgechristopher @PiersTorday @MaryAliceEvans @jeccleshare @LiteracyShed. We feel very lucky to have been a part of the day!  via Twitter

Had a fab day developing creative writing strategies at  @shrewsbookfest ! Big thank you to all the inspirational speakers @redgierob @MaryAliceEvans @PiersTorday @edgechristopher and @jeccleshare Can’t wait to implement some new techniques!  – via Twitter

I had a fabulous day. I was really looking forward to it and was not disappointed. A great bunch of inspiring people. Well done and thanks to all involved.  – via Facebook

Thank you for such a tremendous day yesterday. Piers’s talk was a thing of beauty and inspiration and all the workshops were fascinating.  Congratulations on it all. and on the whole project which is such a good way of getting real engagement and therefore making serious impact.  Julia Eccleshare, keynote speaker

Congratulations on a terrific day. The buzz was palpable in the air and I myself got a huge amount out of it, from Maz’s workshop, Chris’s and Rob’s as well as the panel event. We all remarked on the way out again what a truly remarkable organisation you run, and how very glad I am to be a patron of such a special thing.  Piers Torday, author, keynote speaker

I’d just like to say how wonderful I think the work you’re all doing at Shrewsbury Bookfest is. It was truly inspirational to spend time with the educators there yesterday, and I think the projects Bookfest do will help to create the next generation of readers and writers in Shropshire. Hats off to you all.   Christopher Edge – author, workshop leader