A talented nine-year-old schoolgirl from East Kilbride has recently won a prestigious competition to create a character for a forthcoming children’s book by Scottish author Len Rayne. Ruby Mae Russell, a Primary 5 pupil at Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School, came up with the character of Hendry the Hawk for the sequel to Rayne’s debut novel, ‘Eyes of Devilla’. The author visited the school as part of their celebration of Book Week Scotland, where he shared insights into the writing process and the journey to getting a book published.
Len Rayne was impressed by Ruby Mae’s creation of Hendry the Hawk, and her character will be featured in his upcoming book, with a mention in the acknowledgements section. The author expressed how challenging it was to select the winning entry but found Ruby Mae’s character to be a perfect fit for his next book. Hendry the Hawk has already made an appearance in one of the early chapters, and Rayne looks forward to expanding the character’s role as he progresses with book two.
Reflecting on his visit to Our Lady of Lourdes Primary, Len Rayne mentioned the enthusiasm of the children and their interest in learning about his writing process. He appreciated the imaginative entries in the character creation competition and highlighted the thought and detail that Ruby Mae put into developing Hendry the Hawk. Len shared that he and his sons used to create tales during walks in the local woods, with many of these ideas finding their way into his first novel, ‘Eyes of Devilla’, a story depicting a young girl’s battle against modern-day witches.
The acting depute head at Our Lady of Lourdes, Elaine Perez, expressed delight over the school’s collaboration with Len Rayne and congratulated Ruby Mae on her achievement. This opportunity not only showcases Ruby Mae’s creativity but also highlights the importance of inspiring young minds through literary initiatives and engaging with authors. Such initiatives help foster a love for reading and writing from a young age, encouraging children to explore their imagination and storytelling skills.
In summary, Ruby Mae’s success in creating a character for Len Rayne’s upcoming book is a testament to her creativity and storytelling abilities. The collaboration between the author and the school demonstrates the value of such literary engagements in inspiring and nurturing young talents in the world of literature. Initiatives like these play a crucial role in encouraging children to explore their creativity and develop a passion for storytelling and reading.