Combine two worlds with Justin Somper (episode 24)

Invite a virtual author into your classroom with Justin Somper, the bestselling creator of the Vampirates series.

In this engaging writing unit, pupils explore how Somper merges two beloved imaginative worlds – pirates and vampires – blending historical pirate lore with vampire mythology to build a captivating fictional universe.

Drawing on extracts from Demons of the Ocean and audio clips from the Author in Your Classroom podcast, children gain a unique insight into the creative process of a professional author.

Throughout the unit, pupils examine how ideas are developed, how characters are shaped through backstory, and how dialogue can reveal personality and drive the plot. They then apply these techniques to their own work, combining imaginative worlds, crafting a compelling main character, and planning and writing a story set in an original, richly imagined setting.

Structured planning sheets, discussion opportunities and selected podcast extracts guide pupils as they connect their writing to authentic author practice. The resource builds confidence, creativity and ambition, helping young writers see themselves as storytellers while developing narrative composition, characterisation and spoken language skills through discussion and role play.

The teaching sequence runs across four clear sessions, taking pupils step by step from analysing how authors combine worlds, to creating characters with detailed backstories, exploring dialogue and ultimately planning, writing and editing a complete story set in a fully realised imaginative universe.