“It’s a long way to Wales,” wailed Fiona Dunbar when she was invited to HMSG as part of our Book Week celebrations, but fortunately she made the long trek from Crouch End to Monmouth.  Bowled over by the scenery in the area, she enthusiastically entered into the spirit of Book Week and gave talks to Year 7 and 8 pupils as well as running an afternoon writing workshop.

Introducing the girls to the first volume of The Silk Sisters trilogy, Fiona explained that her first love was food and her second love fashion.  She talked about the designer Elsa Schiaparelli and the fabulous concoctions she invented; all of which was a prelude to introducing Rorie, Elsa and their pet chameleon, Arthur Clarkson - stars of The Pink Chameleon.  When the girls’ parents go missing they become guardians of their rather dour uncle and aunt - both of whom run a repressed and imposing boarding school - Pokerbute Hall.  The combination of fashion, adventure and a mystery make this book a popular choice.

After reading excerpts from the book Fiona also introduced the girls to her Lulu Baker Trilogy:  The Truth Cookie, Cupid Cakes and Chocolate Wishes .

The girls had set about reading some of the books before the visit and were eager to question the author about her life as a writer and particularly where she got her unusual plots from.

In the afternoon some Year 8 pupils took part in a Creative Writing Workshop based on the Pink Chameleon and indulged in the sweet treat of some cupid cakes, beautifully baked by Mrs Vickers in the HE Department, to aid their creative processes.

The visit brought a successful conclusion to Book Week at HMSG.