This morning we were delighted to welcome best-selling author Vivian French to Merchiston.

Vivian spoke to our J4 and J5 students and special guests from Colinton Primary School and St Mark's RC Primary School. During a fascinating one-hour whistle stop tour of her career and creations, we were treated to some top storytelling tips and suggestions for ways we can generate ideas. We heard about the inspiration behind some of Vivian's best-selling books and some hilarious tales from her experiences growing up and as an actor in a theatre company.

The children were encouraged to ask questions and their response was wonderfully enthusiastic. Vivian had clearly ignited the curiosity of the students as they enquired about her life as a writer, working with illustrators and the intricacies of publishing a book.

Vivian very kindly stayed to talk individually to students and to sign books after her talk. It was a brilliant experience for all of us and we are very grateful indeed to Vivian for coming to see us.