Before I tell you about my recent school visit, I wanted to let you know that I'm thoroughly engrossed in writing the next 'Billy and Manya' book which is set in Moscow and Southwold. It's the sequel to 'If I Got Fifty Quid I Could Rescue My Dad'. I'm getting completely carried away with the plot which is becoming more and more complicated. If you’re a reader - or the parent of one - who has thoughts about how complex a middle-grade story should be, I’d love to hear from you before I get too far!
I've just had an amazing review for the new book from Eleanor Dixon - a brilliant middle-grade author who has two wonderful series. You can find them here: Eleanor Dixon
If I Had Fifty Quid (I Could Rescue My Dad) is another captivating novel from Caroline Boxall. Her masterful storytelling draws readers in with vivid detail and heartfelt emotion. Billy and Manya remain compelling protagonists, their journey filled with courage and poignant moments. But Katie, Billy's loyal and spirited friend, also shines in this second installment. Her character arc is remarkable, adding depth and unexpected layers to the narrative. Caroline Boxall is one of my favourite middle-grade writers and this engaging read is as impossible to put down as all the others. Caroline Boxall continues to enchant with her exceptional talent.
Thank you, Eleanor, for your kind words! It means so much to hear from a fellow author I admire.
So, on to the visit. There’s something truly special about visiting schools in the run-up to Christmas. Last month, I had the privilege of talking to the pupils at Thorley Hill Primary School, and it was such a joy to round off the year surrounded by creativity and festive cheer.
From the moment I arrived, I was struck by how welcoming and organised the school was. The hall was beautifully decorated with student-made artwork and sparkling fairy lights, setting the perfect scene for creative writing.
What made the visit extra memorable, though, were the people. The teachers were incredible - enthusiastic, encouraging, and clearly passionate about fostering creativity in their pupils. They’d done a brilliant job preparing the children, who were polite, attentive, and absolutely bursting with ideas.
A Taste of Crazy Creatives
The pupils took part in a taster session for my Crazy Creatives writing course, and their imagination and energy blew me away. We talked about how stories come to life—from the first spark of an idea to crafting characters and building a plot. They threw themselves into the activities with such enthusiasm, and although they didn’t have time to write full stories during the session, I could tell that many of them were already brimming with potential. I left hoping that some of them would dive deeper into their writing over the holidays and consider submitting their short stories to the Crazy Creatives Short Story Competition.
Planting the Seeds of Creativity
One of my favourite parts of the day was watching the children’s confidence grow as they realised that storytelling isn’t about getting everything perfect the first time - it’s about playing with ideas and letting their imaginations soar. We talked about how even small sparks of creativity can grow into something extraordinary, and by the end of the discussion, I couldn’t help but feel inspired. Visits like these remind me why I created Crazy Creatives - to give young writers the tools and encouragement to bring their stories to life. I can’t wait to see how the pupils of Thorley Hill build on the ideas they started during the session, and I hope they’ll consider submitting their work to the competition.
To the staff, pupils, and parents of Thorley Hill, thank you for making me feel so welcome and for letting me share a little of the magic of storytelling with you. I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful holiday filled with creativity and joy!
This visit was a great reminder of how powerful a spark of creativity can be. Whether you’re a young writer or someone encouraging the next generation, remember that storytelling is a gift we can enjoy any time of year. If you’re curious about the Crazy Creatives course or the competition, head over to carolineboxall.com for all the details.
To everyone reading this, may 2025 be full of imagination and wonder. Keep dreaming, writing, and creating!
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