The Buninyong Primary pupil has written and published her first novel before graduating from primary school, a goal she set herself about 18 months ago.

“I have always liked to write and I really wanted to publish a book, then I decided I wanted to send it to my school before my friends graduate,” she said.

The result is Zalzo of Calastia, a novel in the realms of science fiction and comedy.

“I don’t normally write that kind of thing but I did enjoy it,” Bethany said. “Usually I write about fantasy and historical fiction.”

Writers block struck several times as she penned her novel but her mum helped out, offering suggestions where she could edit her existing story and get the creativity flowing once more.

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“I rewrote some bits, and I also had another ending but decided that was a bit boring and wrote a new one,” she said.

The arrival of the finished, published books earlier this month was emotional for the young author.

“I was so happy I actually cried,” she said.

Several of her friends have now read the book, and a copy was placed in the school library for future generations of students to enjoy.

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