Nature Speaks by Cian Patel is shortlisted for the 2024 Author of Tomorrow, 11 & Under Category.
Nature Speaks: Set in Kenya, Nature Speaks is all about the adventures of Bokang, a young boy from a small village who goes into the woods to save his friend, Nawan. The boys learn more than they had expected as the forest literally comes to life and teaches them important things.
---
An interview with Cian is coming soon...
WNSF: What is your favourite book?
Cian: One of my favourite books is My Early Life by Winston Churchill. I was captivated by Winston's childhood and how this then shaped his future opinions and decisions.
WNSF: Who is your favourite author? Or one who has inspired you and why?
Cian: This has to be Michael Morpurgo. I admire the way he can captivate all age groups and keep the reader engaged throughout the book.
WNSF: What is your favourite subject at school?
Cian: My favourite subject at school is Maths. I love to solve mathematical equations and I enjoy playing with numbers in my spare time. I am always creating mathematical problems for my parents and younger brother to solve!
WNSF: What does ‘adventure writing’ mean to you? Why did you choose to try your hand at an adventure story?
Cian: Adventure writing, for me, is about finding the confidence to explore - whether it's standing in the Masai Mara hunting for animals or standing in front of audiences and talking about my passion for trains.
Adventures can be made all around us. It's about making the most of every situation and turning it into an adventure, then writing about it to get your audience's attention.
WNSF: If you could ask an author anything, what would you want to know?
Cian: If I could ask an author a question, I would ask Roald Dahl (one of my favourite childhood authors) what is your favourite sport and how did he start writing stories?
WNSF: Who would you consider one of your heroes and why?
Cian: My hero has to be Martin Luther King. He used non-violence to achieve equal rights for Black Americans. In today's world, it's getting more and more evident that we need to live in harmony and be happy souls. I have a dream that one day we will all live in peace.
WNSF: What is the most adventurous thing you would like to do, or place you would like to visit and why?
Cian: I would love to visit Japan and sit on the bullet train. My passion is the London Underground and I have memorised the London Underground Map - if you ever want the quickest route to get around town, just call me!
Every time I visit a country, I always try out their railway network.
WNSF: Where do you find inspiration for your stories?
Cian: Inspiration is all around us and we are making stories of our daily lives without us even knowing! I visit lots of train stations in my holidays and a lot of my inspiration comes from the train stations. I feel it's all about learning from everyday life experiences.
WNSF: If you could time travel, where would you go and why?
Cian: I would love to go back to October 26, 1985, when the DeLorean was built, so I could see the time machine being pieced together!
WNSF: What three words would you use to describe your story?
Cian: The three words I would use to describe my story are blooming, captivating and enchanting.
---
Cian is a patron of The Angel Foundation, which works to build schools and libraries in Jamaica. He also takes an active role with the charity Go Dharmic, which helps to feed the homeless.
You can read about how Cian uses his knowledge of trains to help charities, here: https://www.mylondon.news/news/north-london-news/london-underground-super-fan-8-22754935