Author’s tips on making the write choice
He once dreamed of becoming an author while sitting as a student in the classroom at this Black Country school.
Now Australia-based author David Lowe has returned to Dormston School, in Dudley, to share top tips with writers of the future.
Born in Dudley, David taught English for four years in a high school for disadvantaged youngsters in Istanbul, and has also worked in Malaysia and Australia. The father-of-two is known for his books about his grumpy pet hamster, Jasper Stinkybottom.
My Hamster is a Detective, My Hamster is a Pirate and My Hamster’s Got Talent have lit up the children’s book charts in recent years.
David said: “I don’t think I’m naturally talented at writing – I just practised a lot. Since I realised I would never play centre-forward for West Bromwich Albion, I’ve always wanted to be a writer.
“I had a pet hamster when I was younger, but he didn’t talk so much.”
He spoke with dozens of pupils at the Mill Bank school on Thursday, encouraging them to follow their dreams and write.