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06

Jan 2024

Last Updated: 05/01/2024
Arts & Culture
Arts & Culture

Harrogate schoolgirl, 12, publishes first novel

by Phoebe Hobbs

| 06 Jan, 2024
Comment

0

debut-book-feature-iamge
Sula Stanhope, 12, holds her debut novel.

A Harrogate Grammar School student has published her first novel — at the age of 12.

Sula Stanhope wrote the 371-page book before bed each night. It took her four months to finish.

Sula said:

"Mum and dad said I could have some extra screen time if I was working on creative projects.
"They were slightly surprised when I presented them with the first draft of my novel."


The Alchemist's Prophecy is a dystopian fantasy about a girl sent on a magical quest in a dangerous world.

The book is almost 150 pages longer than the first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

Storytelling runs in the family.

Sula's dad Alex said:

"Sula’s grandmother is a writer.
"When I was growing up I was hopeless at English but I always liked telling stories. I used to tell stories to Sula; the storytelling part stuck.
"She now tells stories way better than me!"


After Sula wrote her manuscript, Alex started the process of self-publishing it.

He said:

"I just wanted to give her a chance to hold her book in her own hands."


Sula also developed creativity playing games with her twin sister Delphi.

Together they would invent characters, arguing about what they looked and sounded like.

Alex said:

"It didn’t always feel very creative when I heard their arguments, but I love what came out of it!"


Teachers at Oatlands Junior School, where Sula used to study, noticed her talent early.

Year 5 teacher Ms Coyne said:

“When I heard about Sula writing her own book, I was not surprised.
"During her time at Oatlands Junior School, Sula showed such creativity, talent and always had her head in a book — sometimes hidden under the table.
"She was an avid reader who clearly loves books and responds with great maturity to the texts we explore. I cannot wait to read it."


Sula's Year 6 English teacher Rosie Doyle said:

 “I would say I am surprised, but I’m actually not.”


Staff are so proud of their former student they have purchased a copy for their school library.



Read more:



  • Book Club Save the World at Park Playground in Leeds

  • Harrogate headteacher releases book on school leadership





In the future, Sula would like to continue writing books.

She sees The Alchemist's Prophecy as a trilogy and is hoping to complete it one day.

Alongside creative writing, Sula also plays the piano and attends acting classes. You can buy The Alchemist's Prophecy on Amazon.