Category Archives: news

CLPE and Book Trust reports 2020: thoughts from Megaphone

Yesterday both CLPE and Book Trust released their most recent research into representation of authors and characters from ethnic minorities in British children’s literature. This is important work, creating a base of data that can be used to support writers and create better literature for children. Read them here: https://clpe.org.uk/aboutus/news/announcing-clpes-reflecting-realities-third-survey-ethnic-representation-uk-children%E2%80%99s and herehttps://www.booktrust.org.uk/news-and-features/news/news-2020/representation-in-childrens-books-still-not-reflective-of-society-says-booktrust-and-clpe/ The general conclusionContinue reading “CLPE and Book Trust reports 2020: thoughts from Megaphone”

AND THE STARS WERE BURNING BRIGHTLY lights up the world of books!

I am incredibly excited to be holding the proof copy of And the Stars Were Burning Brightly  by Danielle Jawando. Just look at this gorgeous thing! Then go and pre-order it from your bookseller of choice! https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/books/And-the-Stars-Were-Burning-Brightly/Danielle-Jawando/9781471178771 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stars-Were-Burning-Bpa/dp/1471178773 https://www.waterstones.com/book/and-the-stars-were-burning-brightly/danielle-jawando/9781471178771 And the Stars Were Burning Brightly was written during the Megaphone scheme, so it is anContinue reading “AND THE STARS WERE BURNING BRIGHTLY lights up the world of books!”

Megaphone: end of an amazing year!

So, it’s hard to believe, but Megaphone has come to an end. The year is completed and I will now be taking stock, evaluating and planning for the future. We have filmed footage of the writers for a short film which is in the editing process at the moment. The only element of the programmeContinue reading “Megaphone: end of an amazing year!”

Short Course: Writing Children’s & Young Adult Fiction: Get Started!

This short course isn’t a Megaphone event,  but it is being taught by Leila Rasheed (me) and organised by Writing West Midlands, one of Megaphone’s key supporters. It begins on May 3rd and runs for six weeks. If you are curious about writing for children, or don’t feel ready yet to apply to Megaphone butContinue reading “Short Course: Writing Children’s & Young Adult Fiction: Get Started!”

#LBF17 full house – thank you!

The picture says it all. It was standing room only! Thank you to the many people who turned up to hear the Megaphone writers read and to help celebrate their achievements. And thank you to the Megaphone writers themselves, who all gave excellent readings despite nerves. You were all superb and I hope you enjoyedContinue reading “#LBF17 full house – thank you!”