American author meets Fife pupils

Auchmuty High School pupils Miryn Doyle (14) and Chloe Watson (15) were selected as the winners of a competition which included an exclusive visit to the school by American author Kody Keplinger, whose bestselling book ‘Duff’ was turned into a hit Hollywood film in 2015.

The pair had a chance to chat with the Kentucky-born writer when she visited the school on Wednesday, as well as interview her about her rise to fame, Hollywood and her various novels.

And they also received some tips and advice on how to improve their own writing skills.

Regarded across the world as an inspiration to young writers, Kody wrote her first book aged just 17.

Now based in New York, Kody, who is visually impaired, is also a campaigner for body positivity, a co-founder of Disability in KidLit and a teacher at the Gotham Writers Workshop.

And it certainly proved to be an exclusive visit to the Glenrothes school, as Kody explained: “I am so thrilled to be doing my first ever UK book signing in Fife.

“It has been a dream of mine to visit Scotland for many years and to meet fellow book-lovers here is a dream come true.”

The news of Kody’s visit had caused much excitement among teenagers in the region.

Niall Walker, Fife Cultural Trust’s service development officer for young people, said: “To have Kody visit young readers in Fife is is fantastic. Her visit has really generated a buzz on social media and has excited teenage readers.”

After the Glenrothes visit, Kody also visited Kirkcaldy Galleries the same evening to open the new Teen Book Cafe.