Meeting Ross Welford: A Day I’ll Never Forget

In January 2025, something truly magical happened at Shiv Nadar School, Gurgaon. Acclaimed children’s author Ross Welford, known for books like Time Travelling With a Hamster and The 1,000-Year-Old Boy, visited our school for an author talk—and it was nothing short of unforgettable.

As someone who loves writing, this event felt like it was meant for me. I’ve always admired Ross Welford’s storytelling—how he mixes science fiction with heartfelt coming-of-age moments, and how his characters feel so real.

During the session, Ross spoke passionately about his writing journey, the ideas behind his books, and how important it is to stay curious and keep creating. His energy and sense of humor lit up the room. He wasn’t just talking at us—he was talking to us. He answered questions, shared stories, and even gave a sneak peek into what he’s working on next.

But for me, the most incredible moment came after the talk.

Earlier, I had submitted one of my own pieces of writing for Ross to read. I didn’t expect anything more than a brief acknowledgment—he’s a famous author after all! But to my complete surprise, he actually read it—and even more amazingly, he wrote me a personal note which is attached below.

Reading those words felt surreal. An author I look up to took the time to read my work—and encouraged me to keep going. His message reminded me that every paragraph, every attempt, every little idea matters.

I walked away from that day more inspired than ever. 

Thank you, Ross Welford!