Last year, I took an online writing class with an author named D. Foy, based on a mode of writing he'd dubbed Gutter Opera. The class turned out to be one of the most inspiring experiences I've ever had, and I started to take a keen interest in Foy’s work. I'd already read, and loved, his first …
31 things the children in Miss Osborn’s class learnt this year
You may remember that I recently shared with you a list of 27 things the children in my class have learned this year. Shortly after, I put out my usual call for other teachers to share in the enjoyment and do the same. Big thanks to Kerry Osborn for stepping up and encouraging the children of 3KO to …
27 things the children in my class have learned this year
Well, it’s almost over. Seven more weeks and that'll be another academic year complete. But what have we learnt? Below is a selection of the comments my class of eight- and nine-year-olds wrote down when I asked them to answer that very question. I’ve copied them exactly as they appeared in their …
Constantly Creative: A Tribute to Prince
He recorded his debut album in 1978—the year I was born—but my first experience of Prince’s music was the Batman soundtrack, in 1989. Loved that film. Loved the soundtrack, too. I remember listening to it on my Walkman, at the age of 11, staring up at the ceiling and wondering what on earth a “lemon …
An Interview with… Richard Thomas
Last year, I wrote a review of Disintegration, a new novel by Richard Thomas. It was dark, gritty and wholly gripping—imagine if Stephen King and Bret Easton Ellis got together to write a revenge story set on the mean streets of Chicago. Tasty, right? A second Windy City Dark Mystery, Breaker, has …