Award-winning author inspires young Woodford Green pupils
SF Said with the children at Bancroft's Preparatory School. - Credit: Archant
An award-winning author answered questions from enthusiastic pupils during a school visit.
SF Said, whose 2003 debut novel Varjak Paw won the Nestle Smartie Book Prize, dropped in to Bancroft’s Preparatory School in High Road, Woodford Green, to speak to the youngsters who have been studying the book.
The Year 4 children listened as SF spoke of the long process involved in writing books – including the 90 rejections he got for Varjak Paw, which took five years to write.
His latest novel Phoenix took seven years, and he whetted the children’s appetite with a reading.
He said: “This is a big epic book. It is the book I have always wanted to write. It’s very different as is about an intergalactic battle between humans and aliens.”
You may also want to watch:
Nine-year-old Lottie Gillett, said: “It was really fun leaning about how he writes books and to learn it isn’t all fun and games getting books published.”
Charlie Day and Leona Dixon, both eight, agreed the visit was inspirational.
Most Read
- 1 Restaurant apologises after allegations of verbal abuse between staff
- 2 Co-living development green-lit by council despite 'rabbit hutch' rooms
- 3 'Cheating surge': Dating site reveals how many people are having affairs in your area
- 4 Vulnerable woman dies burning charcoal for warmth after gas and electricity are cut off
- 5 Young Citizen nominee: Esha, 4, who inspired thousands to join bone marrow donor list
- 6 Nine Redbridge parks retain Green Flag Award status
- 7 Revealed: The most popular baby names in your area in 2020
- 8 Seven Kings School celebrates 90th birthday with fair
- 9 Met Office warns of flooding risk with heavy rain set to hit London
- 10 Iain Duncan Smith reveals death threat as MPs pay tribute to 'unfailingly kind' colleague
“He told me how I can get lots of ideas for characters,” said Leona.
“The talk helped me if I wanted to be a book writer when I grow up,” added Charlie.
