Hartlepool author inspires next generation of storytellers during lockdown

Robert Powell’s weekly creative writing courses for children on Facebook and a linked rainbow-themed writing competition have proved incredibly popular.

Hundreds of children of all ages and from all over the country tuned in every Wednesday for six weeks with each workshop being watched 1,500 times on average.

Robert, 37, whose first book Odd Socks was published in 2018, said: “The aim was to give children something positive to do during lockdown and to alleviate pressure on parents to keep their little ones occupied.

“It’s been a real positive experience and the feedback from parents has been fantastic.

“I also had some children with special educational needs write a story for the first time.

“Each workshop covered a different element of creative writing and looked at how to bring stories, characters and the settings in which they exist to life.”

And his competition asking children to write a story featuring a rainbow, which has become a symbol of hope during coronavirus, attracted over 80 entries.

Robert, a dad of three who now lives in Hertfordshire for his job in pro bono law in London, will be announcing the winners live on his Facebook page R A Powell Author on Tuesday, June 30 at 4pm.

“The imagination and creativity of the children has been fantastic," he added. “There’s clearly lots of real talent out there.”

Robert's second book CEO: Child Executive Officer came out last November and a follow up to Odd Socks called Make Socksville Great Again is due out in the autumn.

Unusually, he writes all his books on his smartphone during his daily commute to and from work.

Robert, who went to St Aidan's primary and Brierton secondary school in Hartlepool, said: “That’s how I will probably write all my books.

“It’s a great way to utilise the hour and twenty minutes on the train every day.

“Otherwise it is wasted time.”

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