School Visits:

My talks and workshops inspire students to imagine, research, and write. They catch my love of history and literature. I also give students my professional writer/historian’s hints on how to improve their work.

I’ve taught Reception to Year 12, and lectured about writing in universities and TAFE, written TAFE texts: Creative Writing 1 and 2; and Writing Biographies. For several years I was an education consultant, and the R-12 Literacy Project Coordinator.

For the last 12 years I’ve given talks and workshops in schools and for adults around Australia. Many schools invite me as Writer in Residence to work with students, staff and parents.

What do students think?

‘After listening to your talk I wrote a whole other chapter in my book. I’m going to start writing a play as well.’
~ Sarah G.

‘Never before have I seen a group of people so engrossed in a speaker. The room was completely silent, but for the voice of our guest. I promise you that it takes something pretty special to hush sixty fifteen year old girls for an hour.’
~ Antonia K. Year 10.

‘What the heck goes on inside David Harris’ head? His talk just kind of blew up. It was the most exciting and thrilling I’ve ever heard. Here’s a picture of his head exploding.’
~ Zac B.

‘Thank you for speaking so gently to us.’
~ Harim, Year 1, new arrival in Australia.

What do staff say?

‘Thrilling, inspirational, a feast of ideas for students and staff.’
~ Geelong Grammar.

‘That’s the most he has ever written in a lesson, in a year. And he’s so proud of it.’
~ Forest Hill Secondary.

‘We’d love to schedule other staff to sit in on your workshops and take notes of your strategies?’
~ Ingle Farm Primary.

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