27th May 2025
Move aside Tolkien and Twain – there is a new literary figure on the horizon creating page turners, as a South Devon College student publishes his first novel!
Liam Bonner, who is in his first year studying Level 3 Digital Media, has always loved creative writing, and started penning his first novel during lockdown in 2020, age just 11.
‘I have always been an avid reader – strangely I used to read non-fiction information books growing up yet have always been interested in English and writing short fiction stories.
‘I started this book to cure the boredom of the pandemic and I really got into the creative process,” he said.
So ‘Skyhooks’ was born. The young adult action adventure, set in America, introduces readers to an attacking sentient storm cloud destined to ruin the world and two soldiers determined to stop the chaos.
Liam drew on inspiration from authors such as Stephen King and J.K Rowling, alongside films including ‘Shutter Island’ and ‘Blair Witch Project’.
“I enjoyed the Harry Potter series and Stephen King’s books are fairly similar to what I write genre-wise. My Nana was also a big fan of his work so I was always aware of his writing.”
Liam’s writing process starts with developing the characters first – picturing their physical appearance and their personalities. For ‘Skyhooks’ he linked them to actors of a similar look and character – Kelsey Flower, from TV show ‘Black Summer’, and Simu Liu, from ‘Kim’s Convenience’.
Liam, who is also a Student Ambassador at the College, initially wrote ‘Skyhooks’ from beginning to end in timeline sequence, returning to it at later dates to add further plot developments, character traits and even secondary characters.
Liam found the book developed as his knowledge and skills developed: “The first draft was tricky but the following versions flowed easily after developing my own grammar skills and vocabulary, allowing for more expression.
“I learned so many new writing techniques and, looking back at previous drafts, I realised how my writing skills and English language use evolved in a couple of years.”
By the time Liam got to the third version of the book, he added more chapters, plus two parts of epilogue.
“I walked down to Paignton seafront every day for a while to write – it was inspiring to look out to sea and it helped form ideas.
“Having said that, writers’ block is a real thing! It can hit at any time and the words don’t flow, but taking time out to relax and stepping away is the cure needed.”
Liam received constructive feedback and recommendations along the way from family and friends who read the drafts. Liam’s network played an important role in the book’s development, as a family friend also designed the cover: “We discussed the brief, brainstormed ideas and he read the book before creating the perfect cover. It was exactly what I wanted – I loved it from the minute I saw it!”
Liam’s ultimate goal was to create an e-book of ‘Skyhooks’: “I always wanted it to be an e-book first, as I think it’s easier to access on various devices. I researched companies offering e-book services and landed on Kobo, an e-book specialist.
“I sent the text file, synopsis and cover image – I had control over every decision including publication date, genre and price. I wanted it to be published on 1 October 2024 and it was!”
However, that is not the end of the story.
As part of his Final Major Project for the end of his Year 1 course, it was agreed with his lecturer to produce a printed version. Liam researched how the publishing industry works and ended up self-publishing ‘Skyhooks’ through a printing firm – a decision based on financial reasons.
“My lecturer Ben Young has helped me so much during the project. He worked on the layout of the book with me – I really appreciate his help and guidance.”
For the project, Liam created promotional marketing materials including posters and clips for social media, and the final printed hard copy title was launched during an event in the College library.
It looks like the book is already due for a reprint as, since the book launch in May, Liam has already sold nearly 70% of all the books printed, with all profits going back into more print runs.
Liam is loving life as a published author: “I am planning on writing more books in the future. I have already started a second one, with a romance /action/drama theme.
“For ‘Skyhooks’ I am looking into audiobook and getting it stocked in local bookshops. There is already a copy in the College library for people to borrow.
“Media is my passion – and I am looking at studying media at university. However writing will always be a part of my life – I love doing it. Inspiration can hit at any moment – from walking down the street to drifting off to sleep! That’s when the best ideas develop!”
Liam acknowledges the process has been helped by his College surroundings: “There are so many facilities available here at South Devon College. My peers and the staff have all been so helpful and supportive – it’s been so useful.”
Ben Young, Lecturer in Digital Media at South Devon College, commented: “’Skyhooks’ is testament to Liam’s confidence and ambition. It’s been a pleasure to see it come to fruition as a published novel, and Liam deserves every success that comes his way. He is a bright young man, with an even brighter future!”
For anyone wanting to lose themselves in the world of ‘Skyhooks’, grab a hard copy or download the e-book – just don’t give the ending away!
