Writer books a place in final

Louis Brierley

A YOUNG Oldham writing talent is plotting a successful future thanks to a kind-hearted soap star.

Crompton House pupil Louis Brierley (16) has beaten off over 1,000 young writers from across the North-West to make it to the final of the Sophie Lancaster Creative Writing Competition.

“Coronation Street” favourite Julie Hesmondhalgh, who plays Hayley Cropper, launched the contest in memory of Sophie Lancaster — the 17-year-old girl murdered in 2007 because of her gothic clothes.

Louis was chosen by a panel of super judges, including Joy Division star Peter Hook, “This Is England” actress Vicky McClure and a host of “Coronation Street” stars, to feature in the final 11.

Difficulties

It was his dark and original short story entitled “Joe Pierre”, based on the set theme of difference, that caught judges’ eyes.

A thrilled Louis said: “I was really pleased to get through. I didn’t think I’d hear back from them when I sent the story.

“The whole thing is pretty daunting, but exciting at the same time.”

Louis knows more than most about the subject of being different, having learned to live with the difficulties of having Asperger’s Syndrome as a child.

The articulate teenager said: “It can be a curse and a blessing at the same time, but it has been difficult. It’s got better as I’ve got older. Now I can see that any insults I get are plain silly.

“It’s made me the person I am. Without it, I could have become what people see as the youth stereotype, but the condition has helped me concentrate on things — in particular learning how to write.”

His work was read out at a special awards event at the Contact Theatre in Manchester last night. It will also appear in a special book.

It’s a first foray into publishing for the young writer, who has dreams of becoming a novelist after since penning a 78,000-word fantasy book.

He said: “That one’s being proof read at the moment and I’m in the middle of writing another.

“It’s great to get my work recognised in print. Hopefully this will be the first of many.”

Proud Jim Upton, acting head of Crompton House, said: “We’re thrilled. Louis is so passionate about writing. This is a brilliant tribute to his talent.”

Thoughtful actress Julie launched the competition with Oldham-born husband Ian Kershaw, a writer for the likes of “Shameless” and “Holby City”.

The pair have worked closely with Sophie Lancaster’s mother, Sylvia, and the foundation set up in her memory.