2008/09 Launch Event with Darren Shan

The fifth Doncaster Book Award was well and truly launched on Friday, 10th October, with the star attraction a visit from dark and dangerous Darren Shan.

Around 300 children from many of Doncaster’s primary and secondary schools were present, keen to meet and listen to Darren, and he didn't disappoint. Darren spoke about his books, the creepy Saga of Darren Shan vampire series, and the devilish Demonata stories, which have featured on the DBA long and short lists every year since the award began. He told his enthralled audience how and where he gets his inspiration from, how writing has always been a passion and all about his love of the dark side. He also spoke of how he writes several stories simultaneously.

Darren read aloud from Lord Loss, the scene where Grubbs first meets the demon master and his horrible henchmen, Vein and Artery, following the horrific slaughter of his parents and sister, stopping at the crucial moment to leave the audience desperate to know what happens next.

Darren also invited four delighted students up onto the stage to act out the horrifying incident from Cirque du Freak where the unfortunate audience member has her hand bitten off by the terrifying Wolfman. Natasha from Don Valley played the victim, and got a chance to exercise her scream muscles, while a Saltersgate student was scarily convincing as the wolfman!

Interestingly, in response to one of the many insightful audience questions, Darren went on to explain how the two boy characters in the 'saga' books, Steven and Darren, were based on the two sides to his own younger personality, the light and dark, as it were. He encouraged his audience to explore their own imagination, and to write constantly to improve their style. He has very kindly provided an opening line for our Creative Writing competition to start students off on this process.

All in all, it was a wonderful start to this year's award scheme, and I feel sure that Demon Apocalypse will ensure that Darren Shan features once again on the shortlist this year.

Lyn Hopson, Secretary, DBA

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