Pupils from our Advanced Higher and Higher English classes visited the Edinburgh International Book Festival at Charlotte Square in Edinburgh recently. The pupils enjoyed listening to three very different authors at the Festival: Melvin Burgess, Taran Matharu and Martin Stewart

The first session was with the Melvin Burgess, an author who is often described as the “godfather” of Young Adult fiction. Melvin talked about his prolific and often controversial writing and read excerpts from his latest novel, ‘The Lost Witch’ .

Mrs Lumsden and Mrs Moore were very excited to meet Mr Burgess at the book signing afterwards. Pupils then enjoyed their lunch and a chance to wander round the bookshops at the Festival.

After lunch, pupils listened to authors Taran Matharu and Martin Stewart, who talked about their writing. Taran started writing online and soon gained a massive readership which led to the publication of his ‘Summoner’ series.

Martin published his first novel “Riverkeep” to great acclaim and recently published his second novel, “The Last Sacrifice”.  The pupils and staff were enthralled by his funny (and chilling) reading of excerpts from his latest book.

Everyone greatly enjoyed their visit to the Festival. Many of the authors’ books are available to  borrow from the school library now.