2025 - Angela Marie James - Poet and Short Story Writer

Angela Marie James is a multi-genre author, performance poet, and storyteller based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. She writes for both children and adults, with a diverse portfolio that includes poetry, stories, and interactive workshops. Angela has performed her work in various settings, including schools, nurseries, colleges, libraries, museums, and community events. Angela visited Witton earlier in 2025 to deliver a very special Haunted House Workshop!

2024 - Ryan Vernell - Make a Monster Workshop!

Ryan Vernel is a UK-based author known for his engaging middle-grade mystery series, The Lochview Mysteries. Drawing inspiration from his training at East 15 Acting School, Vernel crafts narratives that blend suspense with supernatural elements. His debut novella, The Lady of the Loch, introduces readers to Tyler Buckland, a twelve-year-old who uncovers the eerie secrets of Lochview, a remote Scottish town shrouded in myth and legend. The series continues with The Trickster and the Thief and House of the Claw, each delving deeper into the town's mysterious happenings. Vernel's works are celebrated for their compelling storytelling and have garnered positive reviews from readers and critics alike. Ryan joined us for a whole day and delivered his Make a Monster Workshop, that was a huge hit with the children!