Helen McCarthy

Children's author, Author of books for adults

Available for:
Interview
Talk
Workshop
After dinner speaking
Commission


Website: http://www.helenmccarthy.org

Contact: workshopshelenmccarthy.org
enquiriesmangainstitches.com
Mobile: 0792 205 3328

Awards:
2008 Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation/Authors' Foundation Award
2006 International Manga and Anime Foundation Award for Outstanding Achievement in Anime & Manga
1997 Japan Festival Award for outstanding contribution to the understanding of Japanese culture in Britain

Audiences:
Adults, 5-7 (Key stage 1), 8-11 (Key stage 2), 5-11 (Key stages 1 and 2), 11-13 (Key stage 3), 14-16 (Key stage 4), 11-16 (Key stages 3 and 4), 6th Form and college


Details

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NEW - VIRTUAL VISITS AND WORKSHOPS

Digital communication means I can be anywhere, anytime. Wherever you are - up a mountain, on an island, in space - we can work together if you have a computer, a speaker and a webcam. Talks, workshops, one to one tuition, Q&A - all made simple by modern communication technology. No travelling either, so it's greener - saving energy, time and money!

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I write and speak about Japanese animation, comics and culture. I also design embroidery, and re-create historic and fantasy costumes. I'm a qualified FE teacher and trainer, an experienced editor, and a member of the Society of Authors. My most recent enhanced CRB check was in January 2010.

FEEDBACK 

Comic-making workshop, January 2010: "My son absolutely loved it, I've never seen him work so hard."

Half-day manga making workshop, October 2009: "Excellent"

Talk to adult writing group, October 2009: "You are not only a very good speaker but you also deliver the goods."

One-hour drawing workshops, summer 2009: "She was absolutely fantastic with the kids - her good teaching generated some brilliant work from the kids – they were rivetted."

Cross stitch workshops for adults, summer 2009: "I would never have believed I could enjoy making embroidery, let alone do something that looked good in such a short time."

TALKS AND STORIES

I talk about writing, getting published, Japanese pop culture and needlework, to audiences of all ages, at venues ranging from universities in Asia and museums in the USA to public libraries in London and schools in the Midlands. 

I offer a number of lively illustrated talks 'off the shelf', or I can devise one to fit your needs. 

I also tell spooky ghost and monster stories, mediaeval tales and heroic legends. Techniques include kamishibai, a wonderful Japanese street-art form that's still quite new to Britain.

WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES

I design and deliver workshops for all ages, encouraging creativity through hands-on experience. In just an hour, you can draw, craft or write something unique.

Apart from being fun, creativity is one of the most powerful aids to learning for adults and children alike. I believe there's a creative person in all of us, and it only takes a little encouragement and guidance to find the form your creativity takes and let it out to play. 

I also design short courses and evening classes. For more information, email me or visit http://www.helenmccarthy.org and http://www.mangainstitches.com

JOURNALISM, RADIO AND TV

Very few people in Britain had heard of Japanese animation and comics – anime and manga – before 1990. Almost everybody is aware of them now. I'm one of the main reasons why.  Want to know how NOT to set up a magazine? How to sell a book on an unknown topic? Visit my website, or read my blog at http://helenmccarthy.wordpress.com, to find out more about my work in journalism, radio and TV. 

CONSULTANCY AND TRAINING

With 35 years' experience in business and public service alongside my writing career, I could be just the consultant you're looking for on customer service, training and interpersonal communication. I design and deliver tailor-made courses and workshops. Contact me to find out how the principles of Japanese pop culture could change the way your organisation works!

	The Art of Osamu Tezuka: God of Manga (isbn:1905814666) Life and work of Japan's biggest pop culture phenomenon View in Amazon
	Manga Cross Stitch (isbn:1905814518) Fusing ancient craft with contemporary pop culture, this is a toolkit for making your own Japanese-inspired art in stitches. View in Amazon
	500 Essential Anime Movies (isbn:1905814283) The most interesting anime titles available in English, with short reviews and lots of gorgeous full colour pics. View in Amazon
	Hayao Miyazaki: Master of Japanese Animation (isbn:1880656418) The first work in English on an anime director, profiles his life and work, detailed filmography View in Amazon
	500 Manga Heroes and Villains (isbn:1843402343) Get to know some intriguing, engaging and downright silly characters from Japanese comics View in Amazon
	The Anime Encyclopedia - revised and updated edition (isbn:1 933330 10 4) The most comprehensive guide to anime, with witty and incisive comments and information on obscure titles as well as the latest hits. View in Amazon

Organisations:
Society of Authors
Institute for Learning
Workers' Educational Association