We were delighted to welcome Jasbinder Bilan to St Mary’s Calne on Wednesday morning, to inspire the LIV pupils through a creative writing workshop. The Bath-based, Costa-Book-Award-winning children’s author first collaborated with the school in the Autumn Term by judging our annual creative writing competition, Literalily.
The LIV pupils were inspired to respond creatively through activities that were integrated into Jasbinder’s talk, which centred on three of her novels: Naeli and the Secret Song, Nush and the Stolen Emerald and Xanthe and the Ruby Crown. Jinxi L reflected that she especially enjoyed: ‘all the amazing stories she shared with us. I liked how she shared her childhood, her struggles to become an author and her creative ideas.’
Meanwhile, Chrissy W was inspired by how Jasbinder: ‘derived so many of stories from her family’s heritage and the culture of India, and how she brought things that are special to her into her books.’ Chrissy similarly reflected the themes of nature and animals in her plan for a story ‘set on an island off the coast of Ireland’, drawing on her own heritage.
In addition, the pupils felt empowered by Jasbinder’s visual approach to planning. Abigail W and Caroline Z both enjoyed this ‘step-by-step’ approach, drawing a ‘story map’ for ‘the setting, then a specific object to be at the centre of your plot, then the traits of the main character.’ Caroline added: ‘She also told us to trust our mind and follow what our brain thinks.’
Many thanks to our Librarian, Dr Veronika Groke, for organising Jasbinder’s visit, and to the LIV pupils for their curious questions and creative output.
Miss Julie Grant
English Department
