Local author Julie Ratcliffe 
I have been a writer for as long as I can remember. From a very young age I imagined worlds full of characters whether real or fantastic. My real passion is fiction and I am the proud author of three children’s novels with local themes and locations. The Thirteenth Box, The Face of Sam and The Moonrakers of Avon are my Smugglers’ Town Mysteries series. 
 
I am happy to give readings, talks and signings at schools, libraries, bookshops, festivals and to individual groups. All the talks are geared towards your needs and age appropriate to the group. Many are free of charge. Visits can include readings from the Smugglers’ Town Mysteries and talks about life in the late 18th century when the action takes place. I also talk about why smuggling was so prolific in England at that time and in the Christchurch area in particular. I will often bring along artefacts to look at and to handle and get the audience to participate in considering what life would have been like all those years ago.
 
Julie Ratcliffe's website: https://www.julieratcliffe.co.uk