Appledore Book Festival

On Friday 2nd October, 90 students across Year 9 and Year 10 had the exciting opportunity to take part in a writing workshop with author Luke Palmer, as part of the Appledore Book Festival 2026. 

Luke’s workshop focussed on ‘destructive writing’, using a combination of observation and slow-writing techniques to build energy in the students’ work. The students were asked to think about objects that could be destroyed, the actions that their character would take to destroy the object and the emotions behind the destruction. Through a combination Luke’s modelled planning, group work, and independent ideas, the students then had the opportunity to create their own piece of ‘destructive writing’. 

The students showed great enthusiasm in their planning and writing and were offered brilliant writing tips that they could take away with them to use. It was clear to see that the students left feeling inspired by the workshop and ready for their next writing venture. 

Luke also read extracts from his books, including his latest book, ‘Big Words’ and ‘Live’ which each student was given a signed copy of at the end of the workshop. 

Copies of ‘Big Words’ and other titles by Luke Palmer are available to borrow from the school library.