Year 7 pupils at the school were given some top tips on writing by a Harwich author on World Book Day. Matthew Newell, who has written the fantasy novel ‘The Oasis of Hope’, explained how it was a good idea to plan a story before writing and to jot down any character or plot ideas they may have. He also told them how his book was inspired by his dislike of travelling to work, the projects he was currently working on and that interest had been shown in making his novel into a film.
Matt answered some interesting questions from students, including what was his favourite mythical creature, how many books he had written and which author he liked best.
He read an excerpt from his novel and then challenged pupils to continue writing from a cliff hanger moment.
Library manager Andrew Dace said, ‘It’s fantastic for the pupils to meet somebody local who is a successful author. It shows them that if you try hard enough and persevere you can reach reach your goals. They were very engaged by his talk and seemed interested in his story of becoming a writer, in his novel and what ideas he has for the future’.
