Annabel introduced her new book ‘Skandar and the Phantom Rider’ which features bloodthirsty flying unicorns and elemental magic, to more than 100 Year Seven students on Monday. (24/4) She explained that she was inspired to create unicorns that are fierce and terrifying, rather than pure and angelic.

Annabel said: “I never liked fluffy unicorns, and I wanted to make mine more like dragons. The fun thing about writing is that you can make up whatever you like, if you have an idea, you can write it, I was 13 when I wrote my first story.”

Students took part in a series of votes to create their own unicorn, which they named ‘Ferocious Faith’. During the talk Annabel adapted a piece of her writing to feature it and read it to the students.

Keytan, age 12, said: “It was great to meet her, her books are brilliant. I have already read lots of ‘Skandar and the Phantom Rider’, and I’ve only just got it. I was surprised to learn that she was only 13 when she wrote her first book. Creating a unicorn was fun, she said she might be able to include it in her next book, we are hoping she can!”

Liz Launder, Literacy and Reading Co-ordinator at the Sir John Colfox Academy said: “We were delighted to welcome AF Steadman, her talk was inspiring, our students particularly enjoyed the chance to join in and create their own unicorn. Thank you to AF Steadman for visiting and thank you also to Waterstones for co-ordinating.”

Thank you to AF Steadman for the brilliant talk and thank you to Robbie Mann from Waterstones in Bridport for arranging the visit.