When Life Takes Over...

AFTER a tumultuous year including a move back across the border to Wales - where I grew up - and an endless round of job applications and interviews in the middle of an economic recession, my writing has, unfortunately, taken a back seat.

But thanks to a chance encounter with an old friend - who also happens to be a South Wales schoolteacher - all that has changed.

Over a pint in a Caerleon pub, I confessed that my first attempt at children's fiction had not yet been road tested by the very audience it was written for.

So, my teacher friend very kindly suggested handing out an excerpt to some members of his class at Derwendeg Primary, in Cefn Hengoed, as a homework assignment.

Included in a sealed brown envelope for each child - as well as the first couple of chapters of Dr Rumbolo's Travelling Freakarium - was a questionnaire to capture their feedback - and a bag of sweets to say thank you.

I was curious to find out what these 10 and 11-year-olds usually read, and was unsurprised to discover that Jacqueline Wilson topped their list, closely followed by Roald Dahl.

As for what they thought of my meagre offering, when compared to such giants of the world of kids' publishing, I could only hope they wouldn't absolutely hate it.

So it was with great trepidation and bated breath I opened each sealed envelope, as kids don't lie... Here's a couple of quotes.

Emily, a Jacqueline Wilson fan, said: "My views about the story is that it's very adventurous. It is very detailed and magnificently exciting for a range of ages."

Laurell, whose favourite book is Tracy Beaker, said she'd improve the plot by "having more clues" after the protagonist's family disappears, but enjoyed reading it, "because every time there was a new chapter it got more and more interesting."

Natalie, who "loved the book" but found "the beginning a bit confusing" said she "wanted to finish it when it comes out and would recommend it."

She added: "When will it be published because I really liked it. Thank you. Good luck writing your book. And thanks for the sweets."

Thank you, Natalie, and your classmates, for handing in your homework on time...and your teacher for suggesting setting it in the first place.