The Year 5 and 6 pupils at Pioneer were treated to an unforgettable virtual visit by award-winning Scottish children’s author Elle McNicoll. Known for her groundbreaking debut novel, ‘A Kind of Spark,’ Elle captivated the pupils with her insights, passion for storytelling and the message of inclusion and resilience. During the zoom session, Elle shared her journey to becoming an author, including the inspirations behind her novels and the challenges she faced along the way. She spoke passionately about how her own experiences as a neurodivergent individual shaped the characters and themes in her books. Her stories resonated deeply with the pupils, many of whom were inspired by her advocacy for embracing differences and standing up for what is right. The highlight of the event was the interactive Q&A session, where pupils asked Elle questions about the writing process, how to develop interesting characters and tips for overcoming writers' block.