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SF Said

SF Said talks about the importance of editing, how to keep the reader gripped, his many drafts and more

About The Author:

SF Said's first book, Varjak Paw, won the Nestlé Smarties Prize for Children's Literature. The sequel, The Outlaw Varjak Paw, won the BBC Blue Peter Book Of The Year. Phoenix is his third book. He has written widely about literature, films and the arts for The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph; and works regularly with CLPE, promoting reading and literacy in schools. For more information on SF and his books, please visit www.sfsaid.com

 

About The Book:

Varjak Paw is a Mesopotamian Blue kitten. He lives high up in an old house on a hill. He's never left home, but then his grandfather tells him about the Way - a secret martial art for cats. 'There are Seven Skills in the way of Jalal,' whispered the Elder Paw. 'We know only three of them. Their names are these. Slow-Time. Moving Circles. Shadow-walking.' Now Varjak must use the Way to survive in a city full of dangerous dogs, cat gangs and, strangest of all, the mysterious Vanishings. With stunning illustrations from acclaimed graphic artist Dave McKean, this much-loved story won the Smarties Prize Gold Award and has become a modern classic.

 

 

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An introduction to 'Tyger'

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The inspiration behind 'Tyger'

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A reading from 'Tyger'

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SF's Writing Challenge

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What can you tell us about Adam?

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Do you have any tips for writing a great opening scene?

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How do you make your stories flow?

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Do you have a particular approach when it comes to starting stories?

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How do you like to end each chapter?

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Why did you want to set 'Tyger' in an alternate London?

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An Introduction to 'Varjak Paw'

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The Inspiration behind 'Varjak Paw'

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A reading from 'Varjak Paw'

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SF's Writing Challenge

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How long did it take you to write 'Varjak Paw'?

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How do you keep the reader gripped throughout the story?

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What themes can we expect to find in 'Varjak Paw'?

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Can you tell us about your author journey?

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What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

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How can children's books change the world?

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Resource Download: 'Tyger' Extract

Resource Downlooad: 'Varjak Paw' Extract