Debut book for Luton author

Lou Treleaven will be celebrating the launch of Professor McQuark and the Oojamaflip with crafts, storytelling and a book signing at W H Smith in the Mall during half term.

It features a female scientist who creates a fantastic device called an Oojamaflip. The story is written in rhyme and encourages children to be inventive and follow their dreams.

Lou, of Woodside Road, said: “I won prizes in creative writing at school so thought being published would be easy – but it’s not.

“Nine months after I submitted the manuscript I got the magical email asking if it was still available. And a year later it’s coming out in print.”

Her advice to aspiring children’s authors is: “Keep at it and try your hand at different age groups and genres until you find one that works for you.

“And don’t give up - you never know where your writing might take you.”

> Professor McQuark and the Oojamaflip is published by Maverick Arts Publishing.