A Series of Author Talks at OSFC
OSFC have been fortunate to welcome three fantastic authors to college this half term; Dean Atta, Kate Bendelow and Phaedra Patrick. All three talks and Q&A sessions were equally inspiring for our students. English students benefited from hearing about each author's journey into writing and their advice when writing their own poetry, short stories or novels.
Local secondary schools Hathershaw College, Crompton House and Oldham Academy North also joined us for Dean Atta’s visit. Dean gave a frank insight into the struggles he has faced along his journey to becoming an author. He read sections from his book The Black Flamingo and signed college’s copies of his books. Dean also introduced his upcoming children's book Confetti, and explained the processes involved in writing for this age group.
A Crompton House student said:
Dean was inspiring, especially speaking up about LGBTQ+ and the hardships he faced and encountered, this means a lot to young people.
As a crime fiction writer, Kate Bendelow discussed with our students the importance of fact checking and research when writing a novel. Kate Bendelows visit also benefited our Criminology students too as she discussed her role as a Crime Scene Investigator giving an insight into what day to day life is like on the job.
Phaedra Patrick led a thought provoking workshop centering around getting into writing, what it takes to be a published author and the joys of creating worlds. Phaedra is a best selling author of five titles and is soon to release her sixth. Her knowledge of not only writing but navigating the world of publishing and authors was invaluable to our enthusiastic participants.
We feel extremely privileged to have had three authors’ visit college this month. We believe reading and writing for pleasure can greatly benefit academic attainment cross-college leading to improved literacy skills as well as providing enjoyment, helping wellbeing and giving students an insight into the worldview of others. Thank you all for your inspirational talks.
Gemma Curto - Literacy Co-ordinator
Phaedra Patrick
Dean Atta
Kate Bendelow
