Students in y9 were treated to a visit from the critically-acclaimed performance poet and author Dean Atta as he celebrated the launch of his second novel, Only on the Weekends.
Dean is one of the UK’s leading poets and LGBTQ+ activists. He explained that, growing up, he could not find characters in books with whom he identified. In his first novel, Black Flamingo, a boy comes to terms with his identity as a mixed-race gay teen – and finds his wings as a drag artist. Only on the Weekends tells the story of 15 year old Mack who is forced to move from London to Scotland, discovering how difficult long distance love can be. Although both books are partly autobiographical, Dean also draws his inspiration from family, friends, overheard conversations, the books he reads and the films he watches. Dean performed some of his poems to students, to rounds of applause, and explained how his dyslexia didn’t stand in the way of his becoming a published writer and performer. Although poetry sometimes has a reputation of being dry and boring, Dean explained that there are so many kinds of poetry that everyone can find something they like and everyone can be a poet, making it actually a very accessible and democratic art form. Both of Dean’s novels are written in verse which makes them very easy to read and helps the reader get into the minds and thoughts of the main characters.
Dean shared lots of excellent tips for writing, including: pick topics you’re passionate about; use your own voice, share your work with other people for feedback; know it’s not going to be perfect first time and be prepared to put in the work.
After taking questions from the audience, Dean chatted to students in the Biome and signed copies of his books. Feedback on Dean’s visit has been hugely positive. One teacher said it was, “The best author event we’ve ever had” and the books are currently the talk of the school, appealing particularly to fans of Heartstopper.
Thanks to The Accidental Bookshop in Alnwick and to Hachette Publishing who allowed us to host such a successful event.
