Author Jane Elson shares writing secrets in academy workshop

Jane Elson shared the inspirations behind her successful writing career with Year 7 students at The Wellington Academy, including her own life experiences and a memorable blind ginger cat. Her love for her cat led her to write books around neurodiversity.

The workshop was geared towards dyslexic students, encouraging them to pursue their passion for writing despite any challenges faced, much like Jane who is dyslexic herself.

Gaining inspiration, the students' workshop began with a muddled-word exercise to stimulate their creativity. They then designed their own village maps, inspired by Elson’s book A Room Full of Chocolate, creating unique characters to populate their imagined worlds.

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In the Q&A sessions with students Jane went on to say what inspired her (Image: Supplied)

From her life experiences and others, including a blind ginger cat she fostered, her approach to writing focuses on neurodiversity. Jane, who has 15 literature awards to her name, imparted invaluable advice to the young, dyslexic writers.

Jane, who is dyslexic herself, is a testament to the fact that this condition should not hinder one's dreams. Through this event, she offered a clear message - that anyone with a love for writing can become an author.

Carol Moorhouse, librarian at The Wellington Academy said: "I was extremely impressed with the students and their questions for Jane, having an author come into school is invaluable and these small group sessions offer them a once-in-a-lifetime chance to work alongside and showcase their work to our visiting authors.

"We are always looking for ways to grow a love for reading amongst our students as the benefits of reading is hugely important and that is why we feel as a school these author visits are so important."