Details
Almost as much as writing books, I love to meet my readers and encourage a love of both reading and writing. I’m always excited to attend author events at schools, libraries, bookshops and festivals. My visits are ideal for KS3 and KS4.
Book focus: Including a brief introduction to myself as an author and my debut novel, How NOT To Kiss A Prince, I read from the opening chapter of my book, answer audience questions, and offer book signings.
Writing focus: Perfect for school visits, I offer a number of workshops from character building to scene setting, or even nonsense poetry, all designed to encourage young people to get creative with their writing.
Activities focus: Ideal for drop-in sessions, visitors can make badges or bookmarks while we chat about characters and themes in How NOT To Kiss A Prince.
Online option: I am available for online sessions for author Q&A or an interactive writing workshop.
Book a day of creativity and inspiration with author B Wheeler
Author of teen romcom
How NOT To Kiss A Prince
Spark Young Writers Lead Writer * Level 3 Teaching Assistant * Member of the Society of Authors * DBS certified with Public Liability Insurance
Please contact me at bwheelerbooks@gmail.com for further information or to make a booking.
About Me
I am B Wheeler (she/her), author of teen romcom How NOT To Kiss A Prince. I have delivered Spark Young Writers workshops, an initiative organised by Writing West Midlands, since 2024, working with a group of writers aged 13 to 18. I’m a qualified Teaching Assistant and have been fulfilling this role for over 6 years, working with children and young people aged 5 to 17.
Feedback from schools:
"A fun and exciting journey into the pleasures of creative writing. Inspirational to hear an author read from her own work and then spark the imagination of the participants with short bursts of writing."
"B Wheeler led a creative writing workshop with a class 7 (year 8). The theme was on retelling a fairy tale with a twist. There were engaging activities to appeal to the pupils’ imaginations and all of the pupils wrote a story. It was a very engaging and enjoyable workshop."
Workshops
The workshops I deliver are fast-paced and fun, with a focus on creativity and productivity. Young people are encouraged, but not required, to share their work for positive feedback. All workshops begin with a short introduction and ice breaker, followed by a rapid writing exercise. Focus is on fun and creativity, not perfection.
Character building
Students are given a pre-made list of assorted personality traits and roll dice to build a character profile. Next, we build physical characteristics of the character, considering how physical and personality traits may interact. I then provide a scenario and invite students to write how their character reacts.
Setting the Scene
Students are invited to close their eyes and describe where they are using senses other than sight. Next, I invite students to choose their own theme for an end-of-term celebration. We use information from all our senses to set the scene. We consider how a setting should reflect the themes of the story. Students write the setting for a short story brimming with atmosphere.
Fairytale re-telling
After inviting students to share what they think makes a fairytale, we look at important elements in the popular fairytale Cinderella and discuss ideas for twisting or replacing these elements. Students plan their own version of the story then have time to write a scene of their choosing from anywhere in their retelling.
Nonsense Poetry
I begin by mentioning that Shakespeare made up many words, and giving some examples. Next, I read The Jabberwocky by C.S. Lewis and share a poem I wrote, Good Hoptitude, showcasing the use of nonsense words in poetry. Students are encouraged to come up with their own nonsense words and then to organise these into a poem. Lots of fun!
As I also work as a Teaching Assistant, I am only available to visit schools on Fridays.
I’m excited to visit your school and meet your young writers!
bwheelerbooks@gmail.com
Books
How NOT To Kiss A Prince (Hashtag BLAK, 2025)
When 16-year-old Em's best friend, Carla, is cursed to become a hag for all eternity, Em helps her hunt for the perfect prince to kiss her and break the spell. But Em is running out of chances to tell Carla her true feelings for her. Something is getting broken at the end-of-year fairytale ball: Carla's curse or Em's heart.
Brimming with charm, cheekiness and heart, How NOT to Kiss a Prince is a sapphic romcom that flips fairytale tropes on their head. Set in a world where curses are as real as crushes, this vibrant YA debut explores friendship, identity, magic, and the messy beauty of first love.
Schools can purchase copies direct from the publisher by emailing sales@hashtagpress.co.uk If author signing will be included in my visit, please ensure books are ordered in good time. I cannot personally provide any books.
Fees
My fees are £75 per hour or £300 for the full school day, plus travel expenses at £0.45/mile. Online sessions charged at £50 for 45 minutes.
A typical day would include an assembly followed by Q&A and book signing, then your choice from my selection of workshops of 1 hour each.
For bookings and further details please contact B Wheeler at bwheelerbooks@gmail.com
