Gillian Philip October 2011

Scottish Friendly Childrens' Book Tour with Gillian Philip

It was with great pleasure that we (Scottish Friendly Children’s Book Tour) continued our touring partnership with Cyprus Well, the literary agency for the South West of England following last years’ successful tour with Cathy MacPhail. This year we brought another brilliant Scottish author, Gillian Philip, to meet and wow audiences of teenagers with thrilling yet heartfelt novels. The tour took place between the 17th – 21st of October 2011 and we visited schools, colleges and libraries across Bristol and Wiltshire. 

Gillian’s first full length novel for young adult and adults, Bad Faith, was published in October 2008 by Strident Publishing. She followed it up with Crossing The Line (Bloomsbury 2009), which was shortlisted for the 2010 Royal Mail Awards for Scottish Children’s Books. She has also written for book packagers Hothouse and is currently writing the Darke Academy series for teens. Gillian released her second book for Bloomsbury, The Opposite of Amber, in March 2011 as well as the first in a new series for Strident called Firebrand which was published to critical acclaim. 

Gillian can also regularly be found on Facebook and Twitter chatting with her audience and like-minded professionals.

For more on Gillian please visit the following sites: www.stridentpublishing.co.uk, www.bloomsbury.com and www.gillianphilip.com.

Click on the button to watch our interview with Gillian Philip during her tour in Bristol and Wiltshire.

Pupil Feedback

I really enjoyed her coming in, she has inspired me to start writing stories. I have started to read one of her books and they are so gripping. I was really sad when I had to put it down. When she started to read part of her book I was engrossed. I really would like her to come back and share more of her books with us. Megan, 12, St. Katherine's School

On the 18th of October I was lucky enough to meet Gillian Philip. To all you lot who do not know Gillian Philip, you might want to read this. Gillian Philip is a writer who writes books for teenagers. On the day she shook my hand after she found out I was her biggest fan. I adored her Darke Academy books and am waiting impatiently for the fourth. She approved of my book ideas which has given me the confidence to start writing again. Charlotte, 13, Broadlands School

 Thank you for coming to our tutor group. We are very thankful for you coming in and reading us bits of your books. we found your books really interesting. 7ROL, Broadlands School

We are very grateful for you coming to our school and telling us things about your books and how you became an author. 7ROL, Broadlands School

I really enjoyed Gillian Philip coming to school. She was AMAZING! She was great at answering the questions and I could picture the stories in my head. AMAZING! Lily, 12 , St. Katherine's School

On 17th October Gillian Philip visited our school. She talked about her inspiration and how she writes her books. Most of her books are scary and based on fantasy. Her visit was interesting and very inspiring. I enjoy have authors coming to our school it has inspired me to write my own stories and books. Kali, Year 8, Broadoak School

I really like it because it was very interesting and entertaining. It was good when she started reading from some of her books. so I could see the type of books that she writes. I found the best bit of the presentation is when she talked about how her characters and how  they have a mind of their own. Daniella, 14, St. Katherine's School

I enjoyed the Gillian Philip event, it was very interesting and entertaining. I liked it when she read parts of her books out, it told me what type of books she writes. Grace, 14, St. Katherine's School

On Monday 17th October Scottish Book Trust came to Broadoak. People said 'This was great, I enjoyed this'. So did I! I learnt loads about Gillian Philip. Mollie, Year 9, Broadoak School

I thought that the visit was very funny and informative. It was very interesting to find out her problems with writing and how she overcomes them. I encouraged me to think about writing. It was very interesting to find out not all authors HAVE to plan, it was also relieving. Anonymous, Year 9, Broadoak School

My personal experience of having a famous author at my school was tremendous, I enjoyed it very much she is so inspirational as I love writing stories and using my imagination.... I believe Gillian Philip is a great role model and a brilliant author I will be sure to buy more of her books. Caitlin, 13, Henbury School

I think the Gillian Philip event was really good. She told us many things about her life and her books and how she started writing books. I found it interesting how she wrote her books. Beth, 13, Henbury School

It was really good, the books are really interesting and it was weird because that day I was thinking about being an author and you really inspired me to do it. Dana, 13, Henbury School

I enjoyed the event, Gillian's books were really interesting and different. It made me want to read all as she explained them so well. Sade, 13, Henbury School

I did enjoy the event because Gillian was keeping us interested all the way through. Her books looked fantastic and I would love to read them all. Gabriella, 13, Henbury School

Gillian Philip was a very interesting woman. She was fun to listen to and kept us entertained. I would love to see her again some time. Courtney, 13, Henbury School

Teacher Feedback

Very good. Our students really enjoy and appreciate these events and the opportunity to meet authors. Author visits inspire them in both their reading and creative writing. Frances Tout, Broadoak School

Excellent. I felt our students were hard to settle as we had not done this before, Gillian did some excellent warm-up exercises ... Gillian herself was delightful and the students really warmed to her. Andrea Grist, Henbury School

Very well organised, and a lovely event. The students were really interested in Gillian's talk, and were especially impressed by her answers to their questions! Lucy Edwards, St. Katherine's School

The group were very interested to hear about how an author goes about writing a book. They were particularly stimulated by the Q & A session. Karen Carrington, Marlwood School

Professional, well organized, and a great talk from Gillian. And fantastic value, being as it was free! Laura Harnell, Broadlands School

Competent and fun. Sue Pickering, Chipping Sodbury