Thank you so much, @lindasbookbag.bsky.social ! @luathpress.bsky.social !

Played some seasonal games at school today. Kid drew this for Pictionary. Any guesses? Honestly, these are the moments I became a teacher for!

On this day in 1542, Princess Mary Stuart succeeded her father, James V, and became Queen Mary I of Scotland, at 6 days old.

Treetops from daughter's and son in law's 3rd floor flat. Good morning, all.

Happy birthday to #MaryQueenofScots, and to ME too! The fact that we share a birthday made me doubly determined to write about Mary. On the off-chance that you are still looking for a good deed to do today, leave a review for one of my books online? Thank you to all who already have!

I'm loving the KILTS (Kidlit Scotland) book covers advent calendar. Updated daily at kidlitscotland.wordpress.com/book-cover-a...

Just stacked a *literal* ton of wood, tag-teaming with the man. Off to meet a pal for a wee breakfast at the garden centre now. Preparing myself for the onslaught of artificial cinnamon scent and animatronic snowman harmonies...😫 🎅🎄

You know what? I miss Twitter - how it used to be. I miss the immediacy and the connections and the simplicity. I miss my old network of teachers, writers and librarians. I quit the day after the US election. If you are interested in kids' books, Scotland, history and kindness, let's connect.

Current view. Waiting for a train home. Thank you, @scottishbooktrust.bsky.social, for part funding today's school visit.

Train sunrise over Perthshire.

Another early train. Quite like Inverness's 'festive but forsaken' look. There's a story in there, right?

Today's book cover window :) kidlitscotland.wordpress.com/book-cover-a...

I am loving the Kidlit Scotland online calendar, featuring book covers of new releases by Scotland-based writers, illustrators and publishers. Just add kidlitscotland.wordpress.com/book-cover-a... to your desktop favourites for the month. The latest image will feature at the top of the page.

Silly o'clock start for London. I'm so excited to team up with @lindsaylittleson.bsky.social and Victoria Williamson tomorrow. But today, a school event on history, myth and magic in stories!

Random reminder that @scattyscribbler.bsky.social has a book called Rivet Boy about the bridge.

Sent by a teacher a couple of days after my author visit about my book 'Punch' (which features a travelling puppeteer), with permission to share. Say what you want about technology and the new generation, but kids LOVE trad puppetry!

I love Barbara Henderson’s (@scattyscribbler.bsky.social) work. Barbara writes well researched Scottish historical fiction for kids. River Boy about the building of the Forth Rail Bridge and Black Water referencing part of Robert Burn’s life are particular classroom favourites of mine.

Today's #BookWeekScotland trip took me to East Calder Primary! Thanks for having me.

Current view. Off to Edinburgh for #BookWeekScotland. 😊

Yeeeeeeeeeeessssss!⚽️

COME ON SCOTLAND! ⚽️

Nooo! ⚽️

Yesssssssss! #Scotland

What a goal! #Scotland

Hey EVERBODY WHO LOVES BOOKS! Could you give a wee follow to @melrose-bookshop.bsky.social , now run by the people behind the fantastic @wedale-bookshop.bsky.social ! bsky.app/profile/melr...

My first published story, in an online literary magazine. In the light today's events in Inverness, it feels right to share it. That's it. "TOMORROW" www.litromagazine.com/lunchbreakfi...

Love Scotland? Live in London? Got kids to entertain on 29th Nov? www.ticketsource.co.uk/standrewsboo...

Love Scotland? Live in London? Got kids to entertain on 29th Nov? www.ticketsource.co.uk/standrewsboo...

Last four loaves have been great. Could it be that I have finally nailed sourdough?

A HUGE shout-out to @scottishbooktrust.bsky.social! Opportunities for writers. Book lists. Schools and organisations can apply for Live Literature and choose from hundreds of Scotland-based authors, ensuring a fair fee and expenses for writers. THANK YOU! www.scottishbooktrust.com/writing-and-...

The best thing about book festivals are the people! Here are two amazing ladies: illustrator Clare Mackie and writer @michlsloan.bsky.social !

Hello Mallaig! Eerie weather for A Right Highland Hoolie, Mallaig's gorgeous book festival.

First up! The Chessmen Thief by Barbara Henderson (@scattyscribbler.bsky.social) from Pokey Hat, who I can't seem to find on Bluesky. It's got vikings, stonking prose, and the Lewis chess set - what more could you ask for?

Downside: Early start, delay, missed connection. Upside: Time to buy coffee, spotting a @scottishbooktrust.bsky.social Book Week Scotland poster, lovely author visits ahead... It's all good.

A very touristy research visit for my next project. 😁

I have been in awe of the @paperboatswriters.bsky.social for ages and, despite being part of the group, have been able to contribute very little. The least I can do is share news of this fantastic zine - latest issue looks great! paperboats.org/category/zin...

I'm a big Time Team fan. Learned so much about British pre-history, Roman, Anglo-Saxon and forward.

What is this? Any guesses? Would you like to know?

Round. Tall. Windowless. Were brochs the Iron Age equivalent of a dream home or something else? We like a bit of mystery! youtu.be/uj6pXwcPxWs?...

Thank you, October! A lovely family meet up in Germany, catching up with illustrator Deborah Spence, running Storylands workshops at Highland Folk Museum, John O'Groats Book Festival, a gorgeous holiday in Caithness, and the start of my @scottishbooktrust.bsky.social residency on the Isle of Lewis!

Update: they checked me in for the flight, so I assume it's all good!

Ferry cancelled. Booked a flight. Flight 'may be affected by disruption or cancellation'. Well, there's nothing I can do, so I'm heading for coffee at Lews Castle. Wish me luck!

@garypanton.co.uk I just tried to email you with my teacher hat on about a potential author visit, but the form on the website didn't work - could you message me if possible?

Current view from bus window. Off to the Isle of Lewis for my @scottishbooktrust.bsky.social residency. Please let it be a calm crossing... 🙏

Lovely Caithness! Back now after a work trip to the John O'Groats Book Festival, tagging on the most relaxing holiday ever. 😊

Decided to leave my Caithness holiday read in the cottage where we stayed, beside the fabulous restored @johnogroats.bsky.social mill. You can see the shore (and Orkney) from the window. And there are otters! @luathpress.bsky.social

This ruin wasn't even signposted!

Such a privilege to see this!

My video on how to write a story set in a crumbling castle is in here. 🏰🎃👻