Writers Don’t Come From Leeds

In 2023 I was honoured to be asked to contribute to Northern Dreaming – a special book of new children’s poetry and stories created by LEEDS 2023 and the British Library.

Northern Dreaming is a book that was gifted to babies born in Leeds in 2023. It included eighteen original poems and short stories, one for each year of childhood. My story – aimed at children aged 9+ – is called Writers Don’t Come From Leeds.

It can still be enjoyed by all, as it is available to listen to on Spotify.

It is a short autobiographical story about how I struggled with reading and writing confidence as a child, but, with the help of Leeds United, the city’s libraries and others in Leeds, I joined other writers who are definitely from Leeds.

I hope it will be useful for Leeds children to listen to. Especially those who struggle a bit with reading and writing confidence.

You can listen to my story here.

I read your story “Writers don’t come from Leeds” which was part of the Northern Dreaming collection. My daughter and I, loved it so much! The Co-operative Academy of Leeds

Please do get in touch through my contact page for more information about my story, “Writers don’t come from Leeds”.

Thanks

The Barnbow Lasses

AIso available is a 3 part story, set in First World War Leeds, funded by Leeds School Library Service to mark Remembrance Day, suitable for years 5-8.

Chapter 1 – download here or watch me reading it here.

Chapter 2 – download here or watch me reading it here.

Chapter 3 – download here or watch me reading it here.

There are more resources I’ve produced with Leeds School Library Service here.

And there are lots more stories for children set in Yorkshire including my own Defenders series.

Writing about Leeds:

Buy Books

Signed and dedicated copies of all my books are available personalised to order from my local independent children’s bookshop “The Thoughtful Spot” here.