A 9 year old from Yorkshire who wrote a book during lockdown has been published

A young girl from North Yorkshire has become one of the youngest published authors in the world after writing a novel during lockdown.

At nine years old, Ellah Ramsey began working on her novel The Magic Whistle and The Tiny Bag of Wishes.

‘Really proud’

Ellah, from Grangetown, had been inspired to follow her dream of writing after meeting Frank English, who has written 23 books and is the author behind the Magic Parcels series and Jack the Lad.

English visited Ellah’s school to give a talk, which is when the two first met.

“He talked about creating pictures in people’s minds and seeing them smile when they are reading,” Ellah said of their first meeting.

“That made me want to write.”

The nine year old started work on her debut book during lockdown, and sent the first few chapters to English. The two began emailing back and forth with chapters and edits over the following few months, until a first draft was ready.

Ellah said, “I feel really proud of the book. I will keep it forever and I think I will write forever too.”

‘I really loved her book’

English said of the young writer, “I remembered Ellah as the only child to ask me a question in assembly.

“I really loved the book and wanted to publish it. I’ve worked with a few young authors and here was a youngster who obviously had talent, with the right support I knew she could go far.

“When she first sent the story she had written three chapters, each six pages, that is a lot for someone of her age, but it is her descriptions in particular, the characters she decided upon and the story line which really stand out as unusual.

“It isn’t just her writing but something in her personality - she cares and empathises. This is rare in young children and she is a very very quick learner.”

English loved the story so much that he asked if he could co-author the book, and together with Ellah, the two got it published.

Sold more than 500 copies

The young author has already sold more than 500 copies of her book around the world.

The Magic Whistle and the Tiny Bag of Wishes (Photo: SWNS)The Magic Whistle and the Tiny Bag of Wishes (Photo: SWNS)
The Magic Whistle and the Tiny Bag of Wishes (Photo: SWNS)

Ellah’s mum, Vicki, said, “We feel so so so proud of her for following her dreams. Her dedication and her hard work are amazing.

“She is an inspiration. She put in so much work, like a full time job. She was so so happy.

“She made a writing wall covered in post-it notes, and she put a sign on her door saying, ‘Knock if you need me but otherwise keep out because I’m working’.

“Ellah is now one of the youngest authors in the world.”

Available to buy in shops

Ellah’s book is now available from a number of different retailers, including high street chain, Waterstones.

The hardback version of the book costs £9.99, and tells the story of Logan, who finds the self confidence to challenge his school bullies and goes on to help others in a vibrant new world.

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