For many students, college is a time to explore ideas and discover new passions. For Leah Finney, it was where a story first began – one that would grow into a published novel nearly a decade later.
Leah, now a Lead Learning Support Assistant in English at BCA, recently achieved a major milestone: publishing her debut novel, The Idle Lilly.
“The idea first came to me during a lesson,” Leah explains. What started as a spark of inspiration quickly became something more, as she began developing characters, themes, and a narrative that would stay with her for years.
Throughout her time at college, Leah found herself surrounded by encouragement. Tutors and staff members not only supported her academic progress but also took the time to read her work and offer feedback.
“That support made all the difference,” she says. “If I hadn’t been in such a positive environment, with people willing to encourage me, I don’t think I would have had the confidence to keep writing.”
Leah initially studied floristry at BCA, where her creative instincts first flourished. With the encouragement of her tutors, she continued writing even as she transitioned into a Creative Media course.
Balancing coursework with creative writing wasn’t always easy, but the consistent support from staff and peers helped her stay motivated. What began as scribbled notes on scraps of paper slowly evolved into a fully realised manuscript.
Nearly ten years after she first put pen to paper at the age of sixteen, Leah reached a moment she had long dreamed of – holding her own book in her hands.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” she says. “To go from scattered ideas to a finished paperback is something I’m incredibly proud of.”
Her novel, The Idle Lilly, is the first instalment in The Carnations, Lilies and Roses Trilogy. It is currently available on Amazon in both Kindle and paperback formats, with a hardcover edition in progress.
Even after publication, Leah’s college community has remained a strong source of encouragement. Many staff members who once supported her as a student have gone on to purchase and read her book, continuing to champion her success.
“That ongoing support has meant so much,” Leah shares. “It reminds me just how important those early experiences were.”
Leah’s journey highlights the lasting impact of a supportive learning environment. From a single idea in a classroom to a published novel, her story is a testament to perseverance, creativity, and the power of encouragement.
For current students with creative ambitions, her message is simple: keep going. With the right support and determination, even the smallest idea can grow into something extraordinary.
