I’m sure I must visit more schools during the academic year than most authors would ever believe…at least three schools every week…sometimes four or five!
So why visit so many? Simple…I love it! And so does my wife, Kath! The reaction of the children and staff to our visits never fails to amaze us…it’s what drives us on and provides the incentive for me to keep on writing.
Hard work? Yes! But worth it? Absolutely! How long will we keep going? Until we drop! If Cliff Richards can keep on going, then so can we…’ - Peter J Murray
Peter is one of the most sought after children’s authors... especially from those schools who have already experienced his visits. During the course of an academic year he will visit around 100 schools and meet with thousands of children. His visits have spread globally, due to working increasingly in the Middle East and the US. His presentations are highly interactive, dynamic and great fun for everyone. His energy and enthusiasm are contagious; they leave an impression on both children and adults.
After his school visits he receives hundreds of e-mails, pictures and poems from children inspired to become writers themselves... from those who want to suggest new storylines or report their reaction to the books... from those who simply want to chat to their favourite author.
Most of Peter’s visits are to Primary Schools, Junior Schools and Preparatory Schools. But he is working increasingly with Year 7’s and 8’s in Schools and Colleges.
Peter prefers big audiences. In his words, ‘The bigger the audience, the bigger the ‘buzz’!’ A typical audience is a two-form entry Primary School of around 240 pupils, or a Year 7 audience of around 300 pupils in a college or Comprehensive School. Bigger audiences of up to 500 pupils are fine, but this usually necessitates the use of a lapel mike. Audiences above 500 are better split into two performances so as not to lose the intimacy of the presentation.
Typically a half-day, morning or afternoon. Around two hours with a break or sometimes an hour and a half straight through. Location: Assembly Halls or any large space. Gymnasiums can be a bit soul-less! Peter prefers the children seated on the floor... they never get bored or uncomfortable... or in the case of older children who inevitably insist on seats, then it’s best if Pete has a stage or raised area so they can all see him (and he can see them!). School theatres and raised seating are ideal. Peter brings his own laptop to wire into the school projector and the bigger the school screen the better! When sound is needed he will use his own large CD player, just occasionally using the school's sound system if available.
Always a valuable experience for the pupils. (Pete donates a set of books and a poster for the school library in consideration of those pupils who cannot afford to buy a book of their own). Book signings are generally carried out the day following the presentation giving the children and parents a chance to discuss the books and decide on their requirements. Pete will bring or forward a letter/information sheet for the school to email the parents ahead of the presentation or for the pupils to take home after the presentation.
School Visit EnquiryHooked on Mokee
"Bought these books after Peter J Murray visited our school. I loved the concept of the Mokee Joe stories; he is a very clever and inspiring author. Our children who are not that interested in reading have been inspired to read these books, especially our reluctant boys. As an adult, I am also hooked. A must read!"
Goodreads Website
"Peter J Murray’s remarkable ability to capture the imagination of young people, engaging the most reluctant readers with his tales of spooky happenings, has led to fan mail from students who remember his presentations from ten years ago or more, and are now off to university, some writing books of their own."
Happy Parent
"The author visited my son's school and gave tantalising insights into these books. He really captured their imagination and my son (a reluctant reader) begged me to get Scabbajack. Not only did he read every single page himself and love it, he persuaded me to read it too. I have just finished it and what an incredible read! It's a great way to introduce children to horror!"
His Books Supported Me
"I recently came across my collection of Peter J Murray’s books sitting proudly on my bookshelf. I'm now reading them all over again! When I was at school I went through a period of depression and have a vivid recollection of reading PJM’s stories to ‘escape’ into a thrilling and adventurous world of fantasy. Those books helped me so much and I will always be grateful to him. Keep up the good work!"