Pupil and published author inspires fellow school pupils at World Book Day event
Pupil and published author, 16-year-old Vidhi Chanyal, hosted a World Book Day event for fellow school pupils at the library that encouraged her love of reading and supported her writing journey.
Article Source: East Renfrewshire Culture & Leisure
Last Updated: 7 March 2025 12:02
Vidhi welcomed pupils from her high school, St. Luke’s High School in Barrhead, as well as pupils from her former primary school, St. Mark’s, to Barrhead Foundry Library, where she read an extract from her celebrated debut novel, Arise, and answered questions on her writing journey, encouraging others to follow their dreams.
The writer’s debut historical fiction and fantasy novel Arise, which tells the story of a young boy during the Salem witch trails in 1692, was released by Olympia Publishing in November 2024 and has been recognised by major publishers. She also scooped the Young Author category at the British Youth International College Inspire Awards.
Vidhi thanked Barrhead Foundry’s Library for encouraging her love of reading.
She said: "It has been fantastic to return to the library with my debut novel, Arise, and to present it to local school pupils. Barrhead Foundry Library has greatly contributed to my writing journey. I could spend hours there with a good book when I was younger and always borrowed books to take home. The library provided an outlet where I was free to read as much as I pleased. This greatly encouraged me to start writing short stories once I grew a little older. I only have the library to thank for nourishing my young mind and allowing me to slowly learn the skills that I would need to start writing. I owe so much to Barrhead Foundry Library for their encouragement, especially during the first few years of my life. Without them, I don't think I would be where I am today!"
Vidhi started writing her first novel in lockdown, when she was just 12 years old and has written five novels since. She wrote Arise, a blend of historical fiction and fantasy, when she was 13. She plans to continue her writing journey after school, study English Literature at university and hopes to become a full-time novelist.
Vidhi added: "I have always loved to read and write. I consider them my passions and something I could see myself doing for the rest of my life. I would like to inspire other young people like me to continue to pursue their own passions. I know how hard it can be sometimes to stick to doing what you love the most, but with the right support and motivation, it can be a rewarding experience.
“The best feeling ever was when we received the very first paperback copies. It felt almost surreal to be holding my book in my hand as if I couldn't quite believe that it was mine!"
Scott Simpson, Head of Library and Information Services at East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, said: “It has been a pleasure to welcome Vidhi back to Barrhead Foundry Library to host her own author event as part of our World Book Day celebrations and inspire younger pupils.
“We’re all very excited about Vidhi’s success as an author, particularly at such a young age, and to hear the positive impact that using her local library has had on Vidhi’s reading, writing and future career.”
East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure also invited pupils to collect their World Book Day book tokens, supplied by Waterstone's, at libraries this week.
Arise by Vindhi Chanyal can be borrowed and requested at East Renfrewshire libraries is on sale now: olympiapublishers.com
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