Hi! I’m an experienced children’s author and workshop facilitator, having been creating workshops for schools and other educational venues now for five years. My books range from humorous realism to magic realism and fantasy and are most suitable for ages 6-15. I have also written some non-fiction.  My most recent fiction book is ‘Piper’ and I’m currently hugely proud of my latest non-fiction book ‘Wha’ever - the teenager’s guide to Spinal Cord Injury’. Last year my book ‘Fur’ was short-listed for the Highland Children’s Book Award but was beaten by Tim Bowler.
Prior to being an author, I was an English and Drama teacher and I currently divide my time between writing, author visits, running a youth theatre (which has just won a prestigious Impetus Award for our work about human rights issues) and training to be a counsellor! I particularly enjoy creative writing workshops in which I can use drama as a tool and also specialise in devising workshops for heritage venues (in which I have a particular interest, deepened by the work I undertook for my recent MA in Theatre and Drama Education).
I am happy to create the workshop which suits you and your venue or for you to choose from my selection of ‘tried and tested’ events. These currently range from a half-hour inter-active story-telling for my youngest audiences (4-5 years) to a three hour refining and re-drafting intensive workshop for the most able - with all sorts of variations in between.
I am happy to work with the same group of children all day if required and to work as writer in residence. I can also provide an inter-active talk, rather than a workshop, about the craft of the writer, ‘From Page to Print’.  I have some experience of working with children with special needs, both in schools and in theatre and am enthusiastic to do so more widely.
I am most available for work in the Midlands and Mondays and Tuesdays are my best days. If I have to stay overnight, the cost to you is greater! You may want to consider linking up with another venue local to you if you are long way from my stamping ground.
I have frequently been interviewed on local and commercial radio and have featured on Radio 4’s ‘Ramblings’ with Clare Balding.
Workshops and performances
For workshops, group size should be no more than 30 and if smaller the pupils will obviously get more personal attention. A teacher must be present at all times.
For talks, the whole school is a possibility but I can make what I say more appropriate if you split into smaller age groupings.
I conduct whole school assemblies if asked to.
I tailor my day with you to your requirements but I insist on at least a 20 minute break in the morning with tea and biscuits (not chocolate!) and at least 45 minutes at lunchtime. All my current workshops are relevant to the National Curriculum but I am happy to create new ones to suit specific needs.
Feedback
Helen Price, Senior Team Leader, Children, Young People and Family Learning,Stratford-upon-Avon Library
Meg Harper is very good at engaging with both children and adults. She quickly builds up a rapport with those she works with, drawing out their creativeness. Meg is able to spark ideas in others and encourage the use of the imagination. She radiates a genuine interest and enthusiasm for writing which is infectious.
SJ Hamman, class teacher: Cropredy C of E Primary, Oxfordshire
‘I would recommend any school to use her presentations to supplement many strands of the National Curriculum.’
Heather Butler, NAWE mentor, primary teacher, writer and creative writing tutor: Amersham, Bucks
Meg’s creative workshops develop drama, story writing and listening skills. A teacher for over fifteen years, Meg’s rapport with the children is warm and dynamic. A wonderful way to interact with a writer. The children produced excellent work. I have no hesitation in recommending Meg.
Joyce Keen, librarian, Waldegrave School For Girls, Twickenham
Very good! We will be buying more of your books!
Books
Sixteen books published and more in the pipeline! Hits include the ‘My Mum’ quartet, the ‘St Jenni’ trilogy, ‘Fur’ and, most recently, ‘Piper’ and ‘Wha’ever - the teenager’s guide to Spinal Cord Injury’.
Fur
Mystery, romance, drama and fantasty - you’ll be gripped!
Piper
Fantasy, mystery and romance with a chilling futuristic twist. Hard to put down!
Wha’ever - the teenager’s guide to Spinal Cord Injury
Everything a newly injured teenager needs to know in a very user-friendly, readable format.
The’ My Mum’ quartet
Humorous stories about Kate and her teenage angst!
The ‘St Jenni’ trilogy
Jenni tries so hard to be good - but it keeps going wrong! For ages 6-8