Writer inspires Watton pupils

WRITERS' block won't be a problem for students at Watton's Wayland High School, after they welcomed a visit from author Will Hadcroft.

The writer spoke to the pupils about how he writes a book, from the initial idea right through to getting a book published, and also how he experienced firsthand how he believes writing really can make a positive difference.

Mr Hadcroft spent the day at the school talking to different year groups about his great passion for writing, explaining how something as simple as writing a letter had enabled him to win a competition, get a Blue Peter badge and also appear on television, as well as publish two novels and his autobiography.

He wrote his first 'book' aged 10 in an exercise book, after discovering how much his friends enjoyed reading his stories became determined to become an author, and now enjoys being able to get children interested in reading and writing for pleasure by visiting schools throughout the country.

He explained to the pupils how he developed the ideas for his children's novels Anne Droyd and Century Lodge and Anne Droyd and the House of Shadows. They all received an insight into the processes involved in writing a novel and the excitement of seeing your own work in print.

'To me, writing is something that can really make a difference', said Mr Hadcroft. 'I am always thrilled to be given the opportunity to inspire young people to have a go themselves. I hope the visit will encourage the students to believe they too can achieve something by writing.'

The pupils were also treated to an exclusive reading from Will's latest novel The Blueprint, which he finished writing last month and hopes to publish later this year.

By the end of the day many pupils were keen to borrow the signed copies of Anne Droyd from the school library.