An author whose latest book has been nominated for the prestigious Booker Prize said childhood boredom inspired his creativity.

Luke Kennard, who grew up in Chard in Somerset, has been shortlisted for Black Bag, which is based on an experiment involving an actor sitting in a bin bag at the back of a lecture hall.

He said, as a child, he had “quite a lot of time to practice” his creative passions.

Kennard also praised his teachers at the town’s Holyrood Academy and said: “It just can’t be exaggerated how much difference a teacher can make when they find a kid who has a passion for their subjects.”

Kennard said growing up in a quiet town had an impact on his “creative impulse”.

“You stay in your room playing the clarinet or writing a poem – there’s a certain virtue to being a little bit bored sometimes, and just having to amuse yourself.”

Kennard attended Holyrood Academy from 1992 to 1999 and studied both GCSE and A-level English Literature.

He added: “It was the teachers that I had who really encouraged my writing- that’s quite foundational.”

Kennard said the former head of English, Paul Coffman, would read his short stories during break times, and leave him notes and suggestions.

“He was the first person who really got me to take my writing seriously.”

Holyrood Academy said it was “thrilled” with Kennard’s nomination.

It added his praise of Coffman “is a moving reminder of the lasting impact teachers can have on the lives and achievements of their students”.

“This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to Luke’s talent, dedication and love of literature.

“We couldn’t be prouder.”

The winner of the 2026 Booker Prize will be announced on 9 November.

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