Author Live Broadcast

On Thursday, all Prep school classes were invited to a live author talk with award winning author AJ Hartley. AJ first read an extract from the start of his new book, Monsters in the Mirror and then answered questions set by the children tuning into the live broadcast. AJ Hartley has written over 23 novels and has written books for both children and adults including mystery/thriller, fantasy and historical fiction. His first book was published at 19yrs old and he is originally from the North West in Preston!

His new book, Monsters in the Mirror, focuses on a small boy from the UK who is struggling to fit in at school, Darwen seeks solace in a mysterious shop full of mirrors. It’s there that he discovers the ability to step through mirrors into different worlds – worlds beyond his wildest imagination. The problem with doors is that they open both ways. There are monsters inside, and some of them are trying to get out.

AJ Hartley explained his tips for writing a great story and the process of writing a short story. He recommended thinking first of a ‘hook’ for the story – an idea that you can summarise in just one or two sentences. He said not to wait for a perfect idea as most of his best ideas have come to him whilst he’s been writing. He also recommended writing with no distractions so you can fully focus on the language you are using to tell your story and finally, to never judge a book by its cover!

Mrs Doran

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