An 11-year-old boy from East Belfast, Elan Watson, has recently written and published his first book titled ‘In the Heart of Belfast’. Elan, who is autistic, was inspired to write the book after a joke made by his teacher at Loughview Integrated Primary School. The book tells the story of a city thrown into panic after the water supply is poisoned by toxic waste from a nuclear power plant, leading to a murder mystery.
Elan shared that the idea for the book came to him after his teacher made a joke in class that sparked his imagination. He mentioned that he has always had a good imagination and thoroughly enjoyed the process of writing the book. ‘In the Heart of Belfast’ describes the chaos that ensues in the city when the water supply is contaminated, causing a rush for bottled water and people trying to leave the country. The plot thickens when a murder is discovered at a filtration plant, leading to a police investigation.
Despite taking only two days to write, Elan worked on the book over the course of a month due to school and other commitments. The young author expressed his delight at the positive reception his book has received, with many readers already asking for a sequel. Elan’s mother, Naomi, expressed her pride in her son’s accomplishment, highlighting the praise and encouragement he has received from readers for his mature and complex storytelling at such a young age.
The community has been amazed by Elan’s talent and dedication to writing a compelling story that has resonated with readers. The fact that a young boy with autism could craft such an engaging narrative has inspired many and showcased the power of creativity and imagination. Elan’s success in writing and publishing his book on platforms like Amazon has garnered support and admiration from those who have read his work.
Overall, Elan’s journey in creating ‘In the Heart of Belfast’ serves as a testament to the creativity and storytelling abilities of children, regardless of their age or background. His passion for writing and the positive feedback he has received are encouraging him to continue pursuing his love for storytelling. As Elan embarks on his writing journey, the community eagerly anticipates more stories from this talented young author.
