Writes Ruby Millard, Assistant Librarian
Last week, the Taylors’ Library also welcomed author and screenwriter, Neil Arksey, to speak to the Fourth Form to celebrate Reading Week and World Book Day.
Arksey began the day with a creative writing workshop with a Divisions class, where students explored character, plot, and how to spark new ideas. His practical tips on writing to a time constraint will hopefully help them with their upcoming exams.
He then delivered talks to the Fourth Form, sharing his experiences as an author and screenwriter. Reading from his novels, Neil explored his different writing styles and techniques. He also spoke about his various career highlights, ranging from Shakespearean actor, to roller skate stuntman, to screen writer, showing that there are many pathways into creative industries. We hope that this encouraged students to pursue what they were interested in!
The day concluding with a Careers Q&A, where students from various year groups had the opportunity to ask about Neil about his screenwriting career. He spoke about the various courses and qualifications open to those interested, the highs and lows of contracts and money, and the joys of working in a team of writers.
Lishane W. (4ths) writes:
On the 4th of March, for Reading Week, Neil Arksey came to Taylors’ to talk to the Fourth Form about some of his stories and his career and how writing has influenced his life. He read us two chapters from different books. One was about a dystopian future, where humans are barely surviving and the other was about a school assembly, where a boy talks about his father who was a soldier who he believes to still be alive. He talked about his acting, having previously performed at the Globe Theatre. He also is a screenwriter who has written a lot of dramas to this date.
On behalf of the Fourth Form, I think we can all say that we had a wonderful time and we thank Mr Arksey for coming!
