Inspiring the Next Generation: A Day with Author Abiola Bello

At RMS, we believe that meeting a real-world creator can be the spark that ignites a student’s lifelong passion. This week, that spark was a full-blown fire as we welcomed the incredible Abiola Bello to our campus for an unforgettable day of literary discovery.

From the moment she arrived, the energy in the library was electric. Abiola isn’t just an author; she is a powerhouse in the British publishing world, and her journey from a young writer to a multi-award-winning entrepreneur offered our students a roadmap for their own creative ambitions. Her hit YA rom-coms include Love in Winter Wonderland, Only For The Holidays and The Love Dare.

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Connecting Across the Year Groups

Abiola spent time with three distinct, yet equally enthusiastic, groups: Year 5, Year 7, and Year 10.

For our Year 5 and Year 7 students, the focus was on the magic of storytelling. They were captivated by the world of the Emily Knight sagas, learning how a simple idea can grow into an epic urban fantasy series. Meanwhile, our Year 10 students received a masterclass in the “business” of being an author. Abiola spoke candidly about the highs and lows of the professional journey, the importance of resilience, and the drive required to succeed in a competitive industry.

The Q&A: Expert Insights

The Q&A sessions were a definite highlight. Our aspiring authors came prepared with insightful questions that challenged Abiola to dig deep into her craft:

• Creative Plotting: Students were eager to learn her secrets for dreaming up unique twists and engaging hooks. A popular topic was how to keep a story exciting without overcomplicating the plot, finding that perfect balance between a rich narrative and a clear, readable journey.
• The “Favorite Child” Debate: When asked which of her books was her personal favorite, Abiola gave us a fascinating look into which characters and stories hold the most meaning for her.
• Beating the Blank Page: She shared her personal strategies for overcoming writer’s block and staying motivated .
• Inside the Industry: What it’s actually like to navigate the world of publishing.

The Book Signing

The day culminated in a bustling book signing session. It was wonderful to see students clutching copies of Only For The Holiday or Love in Winter, waiting for a chance to speak one-on-one with Abiola. These brief interactions—getting a book personalized and hearing a final word of encouragement—are the moments that students remember for years to come.

Why Her Visit Matters

Abiola Bello is a champion for representation. As a co-founder of The Diverse Book Awards, she has worked tirelessly to ensure that every child can see themselves reflected in the pages of a book. This message resonated deeply with our diverse student body, reinforcing the idea that their voices and their stories deserve to be heard. Whether they want to write the next great fantasy epic or simply find joy in reading, Abiola reminded us all that literature is a place where everyone belongs.

A massive thank you to Abiola Bello for her time, her wisdom, and her inspiration. We can’t wait to see which of our students becomes the next big name in British storytelling!