‘Delighted that I have become a writer’

BriBooks Publication recently organised the National Young Author’s Fair- World’s Largest Book Writing Competition. The competition aimed to scout literary potential in young wordsmiths and provide them a platform to chase their dream. More than 90 per cent of the participating students published their e-books and got copies of the same printed with ISBN number issued by the Ministry of Education.

The students of Apeejay School, Noida left an indelible impression in the competition as several of its students were awarded prizes by the jury for their exceptional literary talent. Suhanya Johari, class V student was the proud recipient of ‘The Jury’s Certificate of Excellence’ for her book ‘The Magic of Kindness‘.

In a quick interview, the young achiever speaks about what her book is about and how she aspires to enter the literary world. 

It must have been a great experience to be a part of the National Young Author’s Fair. Brief us about the same.

Participating in the National Young Authors Fair was indeed a wonderful experience. It gave me a platform where I could write my story in a beautiful form with the help of pictures and other tools provided to us. It was in particular the most delightful experience to see my book getting published, the way the books of my favourite authors come out.

 What is your book about?

The story is based on one of the core values we all learn in life, that of kindness. The book teaches us that by practicing kindness we all can bring a change in each other’s lives. The story revolves around a young girl named Amy, who is extremely kind. One day she gets a unicorn who is capable of fulfilling her wishes. Though she knows that the unicorn can make her life better by making her rich, she still doesn’t ask for any riches from her. Rather she requests food and clothes for the poor.

But one day, her friend Alex finds out about the unicorn and decides to steal it. Overcome by greed, Alex gets trapped by the unicorn as he focuses solely on fulfilling his desires. Amy then comes to help her friend and requests the unicorn to free him. The unicorn frees Alex, who then apologises for his behaviour. In the end, Alex also joins Amy and her unicorn to help the poor and make the world a better place for all.

What inspired this story?

I feel that people keep wishing and aspiring for luxuries their entire life. There is nothing wrong in this but while we are doing this, we rarely think that there are people around us who struggle daily for their basic needs. One simple act of kindness from us can make a great change in their lives. With my story, I want to spread the word that everyone should help the poor and enable them to lead a better life. 

 Does your school support you as a writer?

 Certainly! My teachers encouraged all students to participate in this competition. I got to know about this event from the school. And it turned out to be very helpful in improving my writing skills. Also, my teachers helped me during the writing of this story by reviewing it and correcting many errors. We were given a month to write the story before submitting it for the competition. 

  Since when have you been writing and what inspired your interest in literature?

 I have been writing since I was in class III. I am very fond of reading story books. My love for reading has inspired me towards literature.

 Who are your favourite writers?

I love to read books from Sudha Murthy, Ruskin Bond, Roald Dahl, Charles Dickens and Meredith Costain to name a few.

 This event must have given you a boost to become a writer in the future?

Yes! I wish to become a successful writer in the future. It has shown me the way.