Thanks so much for inviting me to join you today to chat about the inspiration behind my new kids activity book – Wicked Writing Skills.
My first creative writing book, Creative Writing Skills, is a best-seller and has now been translated into German and Italian, whilst the Spanish edition will be released in early 2021. That book focuses on fiction writing, i.e. what a parent would normally associate with “creative” writing, but I always wanted to build on this.
Non-fiction writing is such an important skill, not just as part of the curriculum, but in life, but I realised there were no creative writing activity books for children on the market that show them how to approach all these topics. Whilst Wicked Writing Skills explores opinions, debates, persuasive writing, instructions, news reporting, and marketing.
Although my first published book was fiction, I’ve always loved the non-fiction side of writing. When I was ten, I wanted to be a journalist, in fact my first “job” (work experience whilst still at school) was in the offices of my local newspaper. Anyway, despite studying Journalism, my writing went in a different direction and I ended up working in corporate and investor communications. I’ve also had articles published on a freelance basis, but I never ended up working as a full-time journalist.
The pair of books, Creative Writing Skills and Wicked Writing Skills, therefore, play to both of my passions – as a fiction author and as a corporate comms person!
Over the summer holidays I ran a series of kids creative writing camps, via Zoom for obvious lockdown reasons, including one on news reporting which proved really popular. Over half term, I ran a Hogwarts inspired creative writing course, and two of the most popular activities (as voted by the kids) were being Rita Skeeter (i.e. news reporting) and potions class (i.e. instruction writing).
News Reporting 
Potions Class
I really hope Wicked Writing Skills inspires youngsters and helps them gain confidence in every aspect of their writing, regardless of the format.
Wicked Writing Skills: Over 90 non-fiction activities for children
Writing is like a spell. It can melt hearts and fry brains, twisting and turning as the magic works.
Want the world to fall at your feet, destroyed by the might of your pen?
– Sharpen your powers of persuasion
– Sky-rocket your debating skills
– Add ooomph to your reports
– And lots more!
Packed with top tips, this awesome workbook has everything you need to know to become a WICKED WRITER.
Purchase Links
G I V E A W A Y
Win an activity book – Wicked Writing Skills (UK Only)
https://kingsumo.com/g/fja7mq/win-an-activity-book-wicked-writing-skills
Author Bio
Lexi Rees was born in Scotland but now lives down south. She writes action-packed adventures brim full of witch-doctors, fortune-tellers, warriors and smugglers, combining elemental magic with hints of dystopia. She also writes fun activity books for children.
Her fantasy adventure, Eternal Seas, was awarded a “loved by” badge from LoveReading4Kids. The sequel, Wild Sky, is available now.
She’s passionate about developing a love of reading and writing in children and, as well as her Creative Writing Skills workbook, she has an active programme of school visits and other events, is a Book PenPal for three primary schools, and runs a free online #kidsclub and newsletter which includes book recommendations and creative writing activities.
In her spare time, she’s a keen crafter and spends a considerable amount of time trying not to fall off horses or boats.
Social Media Links
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