26/03/2013 - Tim visits Reading School
Tim visited Reading School on 26th March 2013 and entertained Year 7 and 8 boys with his tales of perseverance, dedication and a good sense of humour! Alison Jackson (Library Assistant) said ‘He gave readings of his books in an informal, relaxed manner and there was plenty of time for questions and answers which the boys enjoyed. He also told the boys that you needed ‘to believe in yourself and that everyone has some sort of magic within’. He went on to say ‘they should never underestimate the importance of writing’ and that the success to a good book is ‘to get the reader involved from the beginning’. The boys asked a range of interesting questions including ‘What genre do you write in?’ from Gus; ‘Do you base your characters on real people?’ from Julian and ‘Who is your favourite author?’ from Dominic. Mrs Jackson goes on to say, ‘We had a lot of positive feedback from the boys including the following reviews:’ ‘Seeing Tim Bowler was great…… We also found out that most of his books are based on his personal experiences’ (George, Year 7). ‘Tim Bowler’s visit was interesting and inspirational and he told us about his career and books’ (Douglas, Year 7). ‘It was an interesting talk packed full of inspirational content and jokes’ (Ian, Year 8). ‘Tim Bowler’s visit was a great insight into his books. He spoke about his life and how he wrote his books. This visit was an enjoyable morning’ (Danny, Year 8). ‘It was very exciting when Tim Bowler, author of the Blade series and winner of the Carnegie Medal came to talk to Year 7 and 8 about his books. As well as reading some spooky extracts from some of his books we were allowed to ask questions. Tim was very friendly and told us about some of his writing experiences. Overall the visit was really good and I’m looking forward to reading some of his books’ (Ben, Year 8). ‘Tim Bowler’s visit was a fun and educational period. Tim had an excellent sense of humour (to me) and his extracts were well-read and gripping. The hour flashed by, and I was disappointed when it ended. The stories (real-life and fictional) were funny and touching and told at the right time to have maximum effect. All in all, the experience was thoroughly enjoyable and I’m looking forward to finishing River Boy’ (Harry, Year 8). ‘I think that Tim Bowler is a very realistic author as his work is all about things that happen in real life. I really like his Blade series especially the last one and I would give it 5/5. He is also a creative writer. I think he thoroughly deserved to win the Carnegie Award’ (Craig, Year 7). The event was followed by a book signing when Tim kindly signed his books for the boys. Robert Baldock (Head of English) said, ‘He was terrific, and the students would have got a lot from his visit. I really enjoyed him too’. Catherine Harden (English Teacher) said, 'Tim was engaging and inspirational, totally down to earth and able to speak to the boys at their level. Anyone who admits that “lunch” is their second favourite word after “evanescence” is a winner in my book!' ‘Overall, it was a very enjoyable and worthwhile visit from Tim’ (Alison Jackson).
See further information on Reading School website | 
