Writer-editor-trainer Brigitte Rozario has published six books since 2018, and she hopes her seventh effort, launched on Oct 12, will inspire more young writers.
The first six books that Rozario edited were the works of participants in her annual Junior Writers Programme, where she taught them how to plan storylines, make their narratives relatable, and create page-turners.
The books are ‘Spiral Through Time’, ‘Writing KL’, ‘Lives Under Lockdown’, ‘Trouble Started’, ‘Secrets and Lies’, and ‘The Eye: A Young Writers’ Anthology’.
The seventh book, ‘What the Future Brings’, features stories by the alumni of her programme, but Rozario aims to reach more writers by inviting aspiring authors beyond the Junior Writers Programme to showcase their work.
“I also organise two fiction writing competitions – the Merdeka Writing Competition for youngsters aged 11-14, and the Pipit Writing Competition for those aged 15-19,” said the former journalist.
“From next year, I plan to include talented participants from the Pipit competition in an anthology. They may be too old to take part in my writing programme, but I want to give them the chance to have their works published.
“Some have the creativity and ability, but not the opportunity to publish their work. I want to give them that chance.”
To get the ball rolling, Rozario invited 15 alumni of her Junior Writers Programme to submit stories for ‘What the Future Brings’.
The opportunity to pen a story proved too tempting for Rheya Naidu, 18, and Alicia Joy Prakasa Rau, 19, who were part of the Class of 2020 that missed the joy of a book launch due to Covid-19.
Rheya, who now studies in Indonesia, attended the ‘What the Future Brings’ launch.
“It means so much to be part of the launch. I have had four stories published, and it is my dream to one day publish a novel,” said Rheya, who is studying for her A Levels.
“It would be tougher, as I won’t have an editor like Miss Brigitte to give me pointers and advice.
“I love her classes, as they help me with my school work. I plan to read law, which requires a lot of writing. I often draw on the lessons I learn from her,” added Rheya, whose story is titled ‘Belong’.
Alicia Joy, a first-year medical student, said getting the call from Rozario caught her by surprise.
“It’s not often that a writer gets to share their stories with the world. People don’t realise how nerve-racking and emotionally challenging it is to share your voice,” she said.
“At first, I wanted to write a sci-fi story but couldn’t get it right, so I decided to go back to the drawing board.
“I started reading my old journals – my fears about growing up, sitting for exams, getting a job, and driving. So, I decided to write a more down-to-earth tale about the future, titled ‘Ambition’.”
Meanwhile, Amir Ridzuan Bahari, 16, and Tan Yuan Guan, 15, said attending Rozario’s writing programme helped them with their school work.
Like Rheya, they hope to publish novels, but only after completing their examinations.
“Yes, the dream is to become a best-selling author one day, but I’m still only 16 and plan to focus on my studies first,” said Amir, whose story is entitled ‘The Alley’.
“After attending Miss Brigitte’s classes, writing essays in English and Bahasa Melayu is a breeze, especially as they only require 200-300 words.
“The programme has helped me expand my vocabulary and inspires me to explore more ideas.”
Tan said attending the writing programme opened his eyes to different writing styles. He hopes to publish a book in the fantasy genre.
“In school, we learn to write short letters and emails, but Miss Brigitte’s lessons teach us to write fully-fledged stories,” said Tan, whose story is titled ‘The Tower’.
“It is more difficult and challenges me to think and work harder. I also have to do some research, which in the long run, will help in my studies.”
What the Future Brings is available at BookXcess and other bookstores.
