Jim Hirtle
Jim Hirtle
Grimbles!
Grimbles!
Grimbles!
Thursday 5th February 2026
Simon Meredith shares his journey from classroom storytelling to publishing 'Grimble', a tale of friendship and courage.
21 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Hopeful
Engaging
Entertaining
About this podcast
Author:
Jim Hirtle
Overview:
Categories:
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Comedic Journeys
Body & Mind
Spiritual & Personal Growth Journeys
Religion & Spirituality
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
68 (View all)
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!From Classroom to Bookshelf: The Tale of Grimble
Episode Overview
- Turning a classroom story into a published book.
- Updating stories for modern audiences can be challenging.
- Self-publishing requires learning new skills but is rewarding.
- Friendship and teamwork are central themes in 'Grimble'.
- Simple book cover designs can be highly effective.
"Things that move around in the dark transcend all ages."
Ever wondered what it takes to turn a classroom story into a published book? Meet Simon Meredith, a primary school teacher and former rock band vocalist who has done just that with his debut novel, 'Grimble'. In this episode of J Hirtle The Last Storyteller, Simon shares the whimsical journey of bringing his story about a peculiar creature to life.
Originally crafted as a short story for his students back in the 90s, 'Grimble' has been reimagined and expanded to capture the imaginations of young readers today. Simon discusses the challenges of updating pop culture references for modern kids, like explaining what a video recorder is—because, let's face it, today's tech-savvy youth might not have a clue! He also dives into the creative process behind the book's simple yet eye-catching cover, designed with help from his art-savvy son.
The heart of 'Grimble' lies in its quirky characters—a chess club of misfits who band together to save the world, proving that friendship and teamwork can conquer even the most daunting challenges. Simon’s passion for storytelling shines through as he reflects on the joy and trials of self-publishing. Whether you're an aspiring writer or simply love a good tale, this episode offers plenty of inspiration. So, what sets 'Grimble' apart from other children's books?
It's fast-paced, fun, and delivers a valuable message about unity and courage. If you’re curious about how a school project became a charming novel, this episode is a must-listen. Are you ready to dive into the world of 'Grimble' and discover the magic within?