Brian Falkner

Brian Falkner

Queensland

Speaker type

  • Author
  • Educational consultant
  • Interstate
  • Virtual visits
available for virtual visits

Brian is an award-winning international author and writing coach. He is a highly sought-after speaker in schools around Australia, the US and New Zealand. His infectious enthusiasm, humour and energy make every appearance a popular and memorable one. He is the author of more than twenty novels for children and young adults, published in fifteen countries in seven languages.

His most recent YA novel is Andromeda Bond in Trouble Deep.

Andromeda Bond has been in hiding her entire life, and she doesn’t know it.

A talented VR gamer; a black belt in Judo; a Paintball sharpshooter; and a talented indoor skydiver, Andromeda has been in training since before she can remember, and yet she has no idea what for. But she is about to find out. Andromeda has just been selected for a gaming tournament that is out of this world. The stakes are high, and the consequences are real, and deadly.

Brian Falker - Andromeda Bond in Trouble Deep   montage

 Outstanding Feedback

I would like to thank you for facilitating the visit of Brian Falkner to my school.  I would like to pass on to you, feedback of the event.

I had already seen Brian in action when he visited my school in August 2010.  I felt quite confident that he would engage my students and he did not disappoint today.   I had another agenda with this event however.  As the initial Network event for the Year of Reading, I wanted to set the bar for the other Teacher Librarians.  We have often discussed doing joint events and sharing the load of organising an event that would cater for the passionate and talented young readers and writers in our schools.

I discussed via email with Brian my idea of the day workshop being a three act performance.  He was very obliging with my requests and today has proved himself, once again, a flexible and engaging speaker.  He had two separate audiences of  50 and 80 children, doing two different activities, one following the other.  Some authors might feel flustered by such a challenge, however he managed the whole day with a calm and professional attitude.

Brian did an excellent job of lighting the spark for our writers; he entertained and challenged the year 6 cohort with a Story Sports session and he finished the day with a focus on Improving the Story with the young writers.  Some of the ideas that these children shared with us were not only imaginative but quite sophisticated.  It really is a joy to see what young writers are capable of when they have a good stimulus, a clear plan and someone who will fan the spark with enthusiasm.

Judging from some of the feedback from my students, it will be extremely hard to keep a copy of Brian's books on my shelves.  I also believe that his website, which is quite well designed, will receive a number of hits tonight from children wanting to know more about him.   I thank Brian for his efforts today and would heartily recommend him for any school looking for an obliging and engaging speaker.

Corinda State School, March, 2012.

Presentations

Brian’s talks cover everything from tips for budding writers, to inspiration for reluctant readers, to small drops of wisdom on life, the universe and everything in between, in a visual, irreverent and highly entertaining way.

Write Like an Author

Brian’s ‘Write like an Author’ writing course is a series of practical and fun workshops that take students on a journey of story creation. From a single one-hour workshop, to a full week writing camp (and everything in between), ‘Write like an Author’ will motivate young writers while teaching them the techniques that professional authors use to construct well-crafted, imaginative stories. A series of workbooks that complements the course is available through Brian’s website, www.brianfalkner.com.

StorySports

StorySports is a bit like TheatreSports but with rapid-fire writing games. Students learn valuable writing skills but won’t even know they are learning, because they are having too much fun! Even the most reluctant writers will be champing at the bit to write in a StorySports tournament.

Book Trailer Workshop

Book trailers are a wonderful way to get students reading, interacting with technology and promoting their favourite books to other students. In this workshop Brian Falkner, internationally renowned author and book trailer specialist, will show your students the ins and outs of creating an amazing trailer for a book.

Check out some of Brian’s book trailers on his website:

http://www.brianfalkner.co.nz/booktrailers.asp

Screenwriting workshop

 This workshop teaches middle-grade students how to write outlines, beat sheets, storyboards, treatments, loglines and of course screenplays. From creating the story to formatting the screenplay, your students will learn the basics they need to start them on their cinematic journey.

screenwriting

 

 

 

For the latest details on virtual visits, please click on the links below: 

Virtual Visits Guide

School Visits - Planning Guide 

 

Testimonials

  • Brian provides practical writing strategies in his workshops for the students. He engages the students with humour and and has good management skills. Students loved his challenge at the end of the session for a free book if they could give him a language that he didn't know how to say "hello" in :)

    Shearwater Steiner School, NSW - August, 2023

    Shearwater Steiner School, NSW - August, 2023
    Brian Falkner
  • Brian Falkner's talk for Year 8 students is truly excellent. With his profound knowledge of literature and his engaging speaking style, Falkner delivers a lecture that captivates and educates young minds. His ability to connect with students on their level while introducing them to complex literary concepts is remarkable. Through his interactive and informative lecture, Falkner ignites a passion for reading, writing, and storytelling among Year 8 students. By blending entertainment and education, he creates an impactful learning experience that leaves a lasting impression. Brian Falkner's lecture for Year 8 is a testament to his dedication to fostering a love for literature and learning in young individuals.

    Iona College - July, 2023

    Iona College - July, 2023
    Brian Falkner
  • Brian was incredibly engaging. His material was well pitched for the age of students, and he balanced humour and insights wonderfully well. He was also a delight to work with.

    Brisbane Grammar School - June 2023

    Brisbane Grammar School - June 2023
    Brian Falkner
  • Brian was outstanding. He is very knowledgeable, funny and entertaining. Students loved their experience and produced some great work.

    Brisbane School of Distance Education - May 2023

    Brisbane School of Distance Education - May 2023
    Brian Falkner
  • I've never before seen the Year 6 students (particularly the boys), so engaged with any presenter.

    Islamic College of Brisbane - September 2022

    Islamic College of Brisbane - September 2022
    Brian Falkner
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Brian Falkner