On a mission to raise the profile of dyslexic authors.
I'm JP MacDougall: a full-time teacher, a dyslexic writer and the author of nine fantasy novels set in the world of Pangea. I visit schools to show pupils, especially those who find reading and writing hard, that the way their brain works is no barrier to becoming a writer.
- 9published novels
- 2interconnected series
- 24years building one world, 2002 to 2026
- 1teacher who showed me I could write
“At a time when the importance of reading, writing and creativity continues to be championed, it was particularly fitting to welcome him to Beacon Academy, inspiring our students to develop their own love of language and storytelling.”
Writing felt like something other people did.
I'm dyslexic, and for a long time I didn't think writing was for me. It took one teacher, Mr Oliver, to change that. His advice was simple: get your ideas down, stick to your strengths, and plan big.
I drew the map of Pangea when I was about 18 and its shape has barely changed since. I started writing at 19, and that world grew into two series and nine books, finishing with Divinity in 2026. Writing was good for my wellbeing in those years too, and I'm honest with pupils about that.
Now I teach full-time, and I want every pupil who struggles with words to see what's possible.
Plan big, and let the details surprise you.
Mr Oliver's advice, and what I pass on in every workshop.
One hour. One blank map. A whole new world.
The story so far
How a dyslexic teenager with a notebook full of ideas ended up writing nine books, and how I keep track of a head full of stories.
Build a world
Every pupil gets a blank map and invents their own fantasy world, with feedback from me as they work. Pangea grew out of plate tectonics and the Lake District, so there's real geography in the mix.
Questions and a challenge
Pupils ask me anything, then I launch the Story Challenge to keep them writing after I've gone.
Sessions are repeated across the day, so every class gets a turn.
The Story Challenge
After the visit, pupils write a story and send it to me. I judge every entry, and the three winners have their stories featured on this website and win a free copy of one of my books.
- 3 winners
- Featured on this site
- Free book
“Everyone can write.”
“Learning about how he coped and how he deals with his dyslexia.”
“Your ideas can create some great stories, just give it a go and write some ideas down.”
Built for the pupils who think they can't.
Drawing a map comes first, so everyone has a way in before a single sentence is written.
They hear from an author whose brain works differently too, and see where that can lead.
I'm a teacher first, so the talk and the task are pitched to the year group in front of me.
Leave with a book in hand.
Schools can arrange book pre-orders before the visit, and I'm happy to sign copies on the day.
The Shadows of Pangea
Set millions of years ago in Pangea's demon world.
The Pangean Chronicles
Set about 100 years in the future, where the surviving demons wait for humanity to weaken.
Bring Pangea to your school.
Send me your preferred dates, year groups and how many sessions you'd like, and I'll put together a plan for your school.
Photos from the visit courtesy of Beacon Academy. This page is set in Lexend, a typeface designed to make reading easier.