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Nicholas Allen, Roy Apps, Alan Durant, Mick Gowar, Stewart Ross, Derek Smith and Tom Palmer are working with nearly 20 secondary, junior and infant schools from January to March 2009, with both a series of visits and also creative writing masterclasses in what is a real coup for Basildon.

We're bringing some of the most exciting and imaginative names in children's writing to Basildon schools over the next three years to help further develop the writing skills of pupils. There really is nothing like working with a real, live author to enhance learning and have lots of fun into the bargain.

Working with gifted and talent pupils

But what are the actual benefits to pupils and teachers?

Diane Baker, a teacher at Ghyllgrove Junior School, is working with adopted author Tom Palmer for the second year and has already seen some real changes in the pupils who took part in the scheme with the bestselling author of Foul Play.

"For his first 'adoption', Tom worked with Year Four boys who weren't very enthusiastic about reading and writing.Ìý Using football as a 'way in' Tom was able to use their enthusiasm for the sport and for West Ham United, as they themselves became sports journalists and story writers," explains Diane.

Diane sees Adopt an Author as being equally beneficial for teachers by providing 'added-value' to their day-to day work.

"It's always a highly creative experience for me working with a writer in the classroom – totally different to working with another teacher.Ìý I found myself learning things about the writing process and creative risk taking that I couldn't have learnt about any other way," says Diana.

Such are the school's enthusiasm that many continue working with their adopted authors after the official project finishes and this is something that the scheme encourages.

Learning at 'grass roots' level

This time, Adopt an Author will be specifically working with gifted and talented pupils in many Basildon schools and will continue the success already achieved by Basildon Excellence Cluster’s Essex Writing Project.

The project will be running across Basildon for the next three years working with even more schools.

This year's scheme will finish with an Adopt an Author exhibition and celebration in Basildon’s Eastgate Shopping Centre from Thursday, 5, to Tuesday, 10, March 2009.

The launch will take place on World Book Day, 5 March, from 3.30 – 4.00pm and give everyone the chance to meet pupils, teachers and authors and to see their excellent work.Ìý It will be officially opened by Cllr Sandra Hillier, Vice-Chair of Basildon Council.

For more information about Adopt an Author please contact