A few weeks ago we saw children’s author Des Hunt visit Owairoa to deliver a talk to the learners in the middle and senior school on how to be a successful writer. The former college Chemistry Teacher began by comparing the modern-day childhood to his own and highlighted how the only constant between the two is books.
He shared his first published works, a plethora of scientific textbooks, that became the catalyst for him wanting to offer stories related to Science that primary school children would be interested in.
In trying to get his first fiction offering published, he faced rejection after rejection to the point where he stopped trying.
He illustrated his Eureka moment to our Owairoa students through the use of a simple fire lighter. With the demonstration of how to manipulate the product to make a small container fly through the air, he explained how he understood the Chemistry behind the utensil and used that to make its utilisation more exciting. It was here that he realised if he knew how stories worked he could provide them with the spark they were missing.
Through the use of a wooden ramp, some marbles and magnets, the captivating author portrayed how conflict, resolution and climax brought fiction tales to life. He then rounded off his presentation displaying how to build tension and suspense through the popping of a balloon, a tangible explanation that the children clearly enjoyed.
A truly inspirational man with many literary works still in the pipeline, we look forward to reading Mr Hunt’s next offering.
