What I can do for you If you've spent a few minutes browsing around this site, you'll have got a fair idea of what I'm interested in. Basically I like playing with ideas: ideas in music and the arts, behaviour and what I call just stuff. I like to explore these ideas through stories and other forms of writing. I also like to share ideas with others, and that, for me, is a two way process. In my view, everyone has a story or an individual perspective on...just stuff. Of course, I spend a lot of time talking, arguing and discussing just stuff with friends and family, over a pint of beer or a glass of wine. However, I also do similar things with people I don't really know. This could mean you. Below I have listed some of the activities I do with groups and organisations. You won't find a list of charges here as my fee depends on who you are and whom you represent. Basically, as they say, it all depends on how far I have to travel and the amount of preparation I have to do So, if any of the things on my menu below interest you, contact me and we'll sort things out to everyone's satisfaction. In any case I am reliable, fanatically punctual and always give good value. I should point out, however, that if you happen to represent the Board of Governors for The Sunshine Home For Retired Latin American Dictators, I charge £1000 an hour, payable in advance and will use my friend Dave's taxi which is the most unreliable vehicle in Northern England!   Write up your street This is an illustrated talk on how everyone has the ability to tell stories and how to go about it. It's aimed at those who have little or no experience of writing, but are interested in having a go. Project Gernika! Again, an illustrated talk about how my text for Gernika! came to be written and how I worked with groups of children in making the completed book. Suitable for those interested in how a writer sees a book through from initial idea to publication. Also of interest to teachers and others interested in an approach to integrated arts in schools and colleges. Powerpoint facilities would help, but given notice I can get hold of equipment myself. Creative writing workshop Approaches to creative writing - prose, poetry, drama or a mix of all three. Tailor made to your requirements. An Introduction to the work of Amnesty International An awareness raising session. This is offered by the local Amnesty group of which I'm a member. It's not about recruitment or raising money, although new members are always welcome and any donation will be gratefully received. Writing to order Maybe you've got a school assembly to prepare or a Sunday School play to do. Want a script? Contact me with a brief outline of you requirements and maybe I can help. (Sorry, I don't do children's parties.)   These are the topics I offer at the moment, but if you are in the north west of England, looking for someone to talk to your group and think a writer interested in travel, jazz, human rights and arts education might be a good idea, then CONTACT ME. Back to Who?